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Stargazey Pie
Christmas & New Year in Mousehole
‘A merrier place you may believe,
Was Mousehole on Tom Bawcock's eve.
To be there then who wouldn't wish,
To sup on seven sorts of fish.’
R. Morton Nance C 1920
Mousehole is well known for its tremendous array of Christmas lights. The night they are switched in, in mid-December, is a wonderful pre-Christmas treat for all the family. People gather to sing carols with the Pendeen Silver Band as the smell of mulled wine and roast chestnuts fill the air.
On 23rd December, the brave deeds of fisherman Tom Bowcock are celebrated with a lantern procession and the eating of fish pie. Tradition has it that Mousehole was near to starvation as the harsh winter storms had prevented the fishing boats from leaving the harbour. Tom and his cat Mouzer braved the storms to bring home a catch of seven sorts of fish that were duly baked into a pie. The heads and tails of the fish protrude from the pie crust – hence the name ‘Star Gazy’ Pie.
Welcoming the New Year with midnight fireworks happens everywhere, but the closeness of the harbour at Mousehole somehow makes them more special here. Locals and visitor meet to sip champagne on the beach.