“Fisherman’s Friends” is a band formed in 1995 – a group of lobster fishermen (who, shockingly, also happen to be close friends) from the Cornish village of Port Isaac. They began singing traditional sea shanties informally on the Port Isaac Platt, their local harbour. The popular film, inspired by their true story – with a fair few fictional twists – was shot in 2016 and went on to make $15 million at the UK box office.
Fisherman's Friends Filming Locations 8
Fisherman’s Friends Band
Port Isaac
Golden Lion Pub, Port Isaac
Believed to date back to the 19th century, with some claims that it may have originated in the 17th or 18th century, The Golden Lion is a historic and now iconic pub serving delicious seafood, ales, and cocktails to thousands of tourists and locals each year. If you visit, check out the Bones Bar on the lower floor, where you’ll find a glass floor revealing an old smugglers’ passageway. They also display a gun from the SS Milly, a vessel sunk by a German U-boat in 1918 during World War I – pretty cool in our opinion!
The Golden Lion Pub was first made famous by the Doc Martin TV series, being transformed into the “Crab & Lobster” pub in the fictional village of Portwenn. The Golden Lion later featured in Fisherman’s Friends, reflecting its real-life role for the band members as their local pub where they would gather.
Port Isaac Platt is the harbour featured in the movie, but it is also a place where Fisherman’s Friends sing in real life and have been doing so for 30 years. Of course, this attracted many fans, and due to the band’s success through their music and the movie, they are now rarely seen at the harbour.
Fisherman's Friends Filming Locations 9
The Golden Lion Pub, Port Isaac
Port Gaverne
Port Gaverne is the neighbouring cove to the North of Port Isaac and a National Trust site. The rescue scene was filmed at this beach, with a real-life RNLI crew and lifeboat featured, giving a little glimpse into the lives of the heroes of our Cornish coastline. It’s easily walkable from Port Isaac and there are a couple of delicious eateries if you’re feeling peckish – try Pilchards Cafe for fresh seafood and hearty pub classics, they put on a Sunday Roast too.
Fancy exploring the coast path a little more? Keep walking until you hit Tregardock Beach, which vanishes at high tide but becomes a beautiful, long, sandy beach at low tide.
Port Gaverne beach
St Kew
St. James The Great Church in St. Kew
Just a ten-minute drive from Port Isaac, you’ll find St Kew, tucked away along winding country lanes and nestled in rolling green hills. At its heart lies St James the Great Church, a 15th-century building that features prominently in Fisherman’s Friends. Several key scenes were filmed here, with the church’s interior and exterior offering a beautifully atmospheric backdrop. The band also used the church as a recording space for parts of the film’s soundtrack, making the most of its natural acoustics.
If you’re stopping by, we’d highly recommend popping into The St Kew Inn, a 15th-century pub just a stone’s throw from the church. Thought to date back to around 1460, it’s dog-friendly and well-known for its delicious mussels and steak.
Fisherman's Friends Filming Locations 10
Saint James the Great Parish Church, St Kew
Minack Theatre
Possibly the most scenic views you have ever seen from any theatre, the Minack Theatre truly is one of Cornwall’s most prized landmarks, surrounded by the rugged cliffs of Porthcurno. It was carved almost entirely by hand by Rowena Cade in the 1930s.
The Minack Theatre is a pivotal location, highlighting the band’s journey from humble beginnings to gaining national recognition and performing on their home county’s finest stage, surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Those with a keen eye may also have spotted the Minack cafe in the press conference scene. The cafe offers spectacular views you can enjoy with a Cornish cream tea.
Porthcurno Minack Theatre
The Bridges
The two bridge locations featured in Fisherman’s Friends are the Royal Albert Bridge and Taymar Bridge. The Taymar is famously known to connect Cornwall and Devon, running between Plymouth and Saltash. The bridges are featured when the band journeys from Cornwall to London, a beautifully scenic train route.
Tamar Bridge
London South Bank
Known for landmarks such as the London Eye and Big Ben and scenic views of the River Thames, London South Bank features in the movie when Fisherman’s Friends navigate their newfound fame. Filming took place along The Queen’s Walk, a pedestrian path stretching between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge. The scene captures the buoy band’s awe and discomfort as they are amongst the hustle and bustle.
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London South Bank
Whether you’re a fan of sea shanties, a lover of Cornish history, or just in search of your next picturesque escape, visiting these filming locations offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of the Fisherman’s Friends – quite literally. Check out our other Port Isaac recommendations for your next trip to Cornwall.
