Skip to content
Ask a Local #005-Shadia from The St. Ives Co.
Each week we have been asking a local 11 questions, this week it's the lovely Shadia. You may have seen Shadia in the shop...
1
How long have you lived in St. Ives?
I grew up in St Ives as my mums side of my family are Cornish, so have spent much of my life here growing up. Having lived and worked away for the last ten years I made the big move back after living in London throughout the pandemic, and realised how privileged we are to grow up in live in such a beautiful place like St Ives. Craved the Cornish sea!
2
Where do you work in the town?
I started working at the lovely St.Ives Co when I moved back to St Ives on a freelance basis, however having loved it so much (and my best friend being one of the owners) it’s now evolved into a more permanent role. I love their ethos, working with small local makers and having a focus on natural, sustainable products!
3
What is your favourite thing to do in St. Ives when the sun shines?
When the sun is shining I love to go for long walks along the coast paths, have a little dip if the weathers really lovely and then finish up with a delicious pizza over at West, watching the sunset with an Aperol spritz or two.
West Bakery serves Pizza and Aperal Spritz. Photo by @westporthemeor
4
Feeling peckish, where do you head for lunch?
My favourite lunch spot at the minute is Yallah! Situated on the harbour they do amazing coffee for the early morning pick me up, and there all about fresh, locally sourced ingredients. There harissa beans on sourdough toast and Bombay potato burrito is my absolute fav atm.
Photo by @yallahcafe_stives
5
Still hungry.. best place for dinner?
Talay Thai is a great one if your peckish as they have so many great “street style” tapas dishes to dig into. The cocktails are great too!
Photo from @talaythaikitchenstives
6
Best spot in St. Ives in St. Ives for a drink?
With so many talented people moving back to St Ives after working away for years, lots of new and exciting places to eat and drink are popping up. Little Palais is an absolute must visit for a drink. Situated on one the back streets, it’s quiet and feels as though your in San Sebastián or the south of France. Their collection of wines is seriously thought out with there orange wine selection being a firm favourite with me and my friends. Be sure to check out their Steve maddens too, the cocktail of dreams!
Steve Madden at Little Palais. Photo from @littlepalais
7
Favourite place to visit in Cornwall outside of St. Ives?
St Ives can be overwhelming during in the summer with the amount of people on holiday, so I always like to venture out and explore other areas of Cornwall when I can. Feed and fed over in hayle is a great little street food eatery and a good one for brekkie and coffee. Godrevy and Pothkidney beaches are not to far from there so be sure to head over afterwards for walk! Also, there’s a little surf school down there if you fancy a dip or a fun surf away from St Ives.
8
Best thing about living in St. Ives?
The best thing about St Ives besides all the beautiful beaches, restaurants snd great shops is how welcoming and friendly everyone is. There’s such a community spirit in town and after the pandemic there seems to be a real buzz about it again which I love. The locals are always supportive of each other, and I just love that everyone’s says hi and good morning to each other. Something I found very rare when living in cities. It’s the little things I guess.
9
If you could change one thing about St. Ives what would it be?
The only thing I would perhaps, not so much change but wish for is to be able to have more “walk in” restaurants as a pose to booking all the time. In the summer it’s a bit of a nightmare eating out if you haven’t booked, so I would strongly suggest booking pre visit if you can. I like a last minute dinner and drinks out so can be a little frustrating at times. But there are plenty of places just outside of St Ives I like to explore and try, a new favourite is Argoe in newlyn!
10
What would you like to see in St Ives that's not already here
A good sushi and ramen spot! One thing I loved when living in London is how many good sushi spots there were. It’s crazy no ones jumped on the bandwagon as we have such an abundance of fresh fish on our door step!
11
Would you ever live anywhere else?
I’d love to spend a couple of months living in Italy. It’s always been a place I’ve loved to visit and of course the food and wine is insane. I love the culture and the countryside is just stunning. A stint in Tuscany would be the dream, but for now I’ll just settle with St Ives.
Any other burning questions? Pop in the comments below and we will add to our next 'Ask a local' blog post.