Philps Bakery

A food that holds iconic status on par with Melton Mowbray pork pies and Bakewell puddings is Cornish Pasties. This savory hand-held pastry has been a staple in the Cornish diet for centuries, originally popularized by miners who needed a convenient, filling meal underground. Made from a sturdy pastry crust filled with a mix of beef, potatoes, onions, and swede (rutabaga), Cornish pasties are sealed in their distinctive crimped shape, making them easily transportable and hearty enough for a full meal.

The Most Iconic Place to Eat Cornish Pasties:

Philps Bakery in Hayle, Cornwall, is widely regarded as the quintessential place to experience an authentic Cornish pasty. Philps is a family-run business that has been perfecting the art of pasty-making since 1958. Known for their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, they craft pasties that honor the traditional recipes while maintaining a high standard of quality.

What Makes Philps Special?

Walking into one of Philps Bakery’s locations, especially their flagship bakery in Hayle, feels like stepping into a piece of Cornish heritage. The pasties here are filled generously with tender beef and perfectly seasoned vegetables, all wrapped in a beautifully golden and flaky pastry. The scent alone is enough to make your mouth water!

Philps offers a range of options: traditional beef, cheese and onion, and even vegetarian pasties for the more modern palate. While the flavors may be simple, each bite delivers an explosion of rich, hearty satisfaction that has kept locals and tourists alike coming back for decades. And don’t be surprised if there’s a queue out the door; people travel from all over the UK to grab a freshly baked pasty from Philps.

The experience of eating a Philps pasty in Cornwall is best enjoyed by the sea, feeling the salty breeze as you bite into that perfectly crimped crust.