If you are lucky enough to have a day in the lovely town of Falmouth, on the south coast of Cornwall, you must end it with a visit to the charming and delightful Dolly's Tea Room, Wine House and Gin Palace.
Recently I had a lovely day exploring this town. With a population of around 24,000 Falmouth is big enough to offer plenty of attractions such as an art gallery, an aquarium and the very fine National Maritime Museum but small enough to feel comfortable and easy to get around. The town is also blessed with several golden sand beaches close by and some great coastal walks.
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| Falmouth from the tower at the National Maritime Museum |
I work as a part time guide at New Zealand's National Maritime Museum so I make a point of visiting Maritime Museums wherever I am. It is always good to learn about the maritime history of different countries and the spacious and modern Falmouth Maritime Museum has much to offer. It also has a tall lighthouse tower visitors can climb to enjoy expansive views across the beautiful harbour. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the museum and then took a walk through the town.
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| A replica fishermen's hut at the Maritime Museum |
I had arranged to meet some of my fellow travelers at Dolly's on Church Street for end of day cocktails. It was an enjoyable stroll. Church St is a very pleasant retail street with some lovely historic buildings and an interesting and eclectic mix of shops.
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| Dolly's |
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| Dolly's - the green sign on the left |
Dolly's is up a staircase from the street so look out for the sign and sandwich board outside. As a self named Tea Room, Wine House and Gin Palace it covers all bases, there is something for everyone. Cream teas are served during the day and if you are looking for a late afternoon or evening tipple there is an amazing array of around 300 gins to choose from.
Some of the huge array of gins on offer
You are transported to an earlier time as you make your way up the stairs, the decor giving a clue to what lies ahead. Enter Dolly's and you will hear a sound track of old school jazz music on vinyl from the 30s and 40s and find a charming, comfortable space furnished with vintage mismatched furniture including chapel chairs and reclaimed tables. The walls are decorated with old posters, prints, mirrors and clocks. Some of the window side tables give a view out over the street below, a great spot for people watching. Dolly's is an oasis of calm and style and a delightful step back in time.
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| At Dolly's with Liz, Tricia and Steven - great traveling companions |
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| Our cocktails came in a vintage teapot and cups |
My friends and I chose a table and promptly ordered cocktails, Liz and I both choosing a Hi de Hi which consisted of watermelon gin, lemon and mint, it was refreshing and delicious. Most delightful of all was that our cocktails were served in teapots which we poured into vintage china cups. It was satisfying to have enough for top ups.
We all loved the relaxing ambiance of Dolly's and felt happy and content as we discussed the great days' sight seeing we had enjoyed. This was the perfect end to our day. Dolly's is the cutest most charming cocktail bar I have ever visited and I would certainly make it an essential stop if I was ever in Falmouth again. As I say, you must go there.
Right: Some evenings you can go and listen to live music, now that would be fun!
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