The Plume of Feathers

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Plume of Feathers? It’s one of those places that feels genuinely Cornish without trying too hard. I mean, Mitchell isn’t exactly on most tourists’ radar – it’s this tiny village that you’d probably drive through without thinking twice – but that’s actually what makes this pub-hotel so brilliant. The building itself has that weathered stone look that only comes from centuries of Atlantic storms, and honestly, stepping inside feels like walking into someone’s really well-kept country home rather than a hotel.

The rooms are proper four-star quality, but they’ve managed to keep that authentic feel intact. None of that sterile chain hotel nonsense here. My room had these thick walls that kept everything wonderfully quiet (trust me, after staying in some paper-thin places along the coast, this matters), and the bed was one of those you actually don’t want to leave in the morning. The locals clearly love this place too – I kept hearing regulars chatting with the staff like old friends, which always tells you something about a place. Parking’s dead easy, which is a godsend if you’ve been wrestling with Cornwall’s narrow lanes all day. What really impressed me was how they handle the whole pub-meets-hotel thing – the restaurant gets properly busy with locals in the evenings, but somehow it never feels chaotic or overwhelming if you’re staying upstairs.

Here’s the thing about Mitchell though – you’re perfectly positioned between Newquay’s madness and the quieter bits of mid-Cornwall. I found myself using it as a base to explore without dealing with Newquay’s crowds and prices, but you can still drive over there in about ten minutes when you want the beach action. The staff actually know the area inside and out, not just the obvious tourist spots. They pointed me toward some brilliant coastal walks I never would’ve found otherwise, and their dinner recommendations were spot-on. The food at the hotel itself is surprisingly good too – I was expecting standard pub fare, but they’re clearly taking the kitchen seriously. That 9.5 rating isn’t just people being generous; this place genuinely gets the details right. Even little things like actually decent coffee and proper thick towels that don’t feel like sandpaper. If you’re the type who wants authentic Cornwall without the tourist circus, and you don’t mind being slightly off the beaten path, The Plume of Feathers hits that sweet spot perfectly.

Facilities