About TJ’s Polzeath
We’re a family run beachside kitchen, bar and surf shop. Named after original owners Ted and Jayne Shepherd (TJ’s), we’re one of Cornwall’s original surf shops.
Our vibe’s relaxed and friendly. We love welcoming families, individuals, friends and locals who are as passionate about Polzeath and the ocean as we are.
Think sandy feet and salty hair! Chilling out on our deck with wholesome food after a splash in the waves, a day on the beach or a walk along the coast path. Or watching the winter storms with a cosying hot chocolate from our picture window.
We work with local food suppliers and create menus that reflect our laidback vibe.
Find out more about our kitchen and bar
Surf Shop
Run by passionate surfers, our surf shop has everything you need whether you’re learning to surf or a seasoned pro. Our expert, friendly staff will advise you every step of the way offering a personal service that’s tailored to your needs and budget. From boards to wetsuits, fins and leashes, we’ve got you covered!
Plus we’ve got all the essentials you need for a day on the beach, in case you’ve left anything at home. We’re the only shop on the beach selling windbreaks and towels, beach toys and chairs.
Find out more about our surf shop and hire
We look forward to meeting you, welcoming you back and embracing you into the TJs family!
Meet our team
We couldn’t do it without them! They’re an awesome bunch who love Polzeath and working on the beach. Many of us surf and for those who don’t, they’re keen to learn! Some are with us all year round, others return each season. Together, they make a fantastic team!
Colm and Emma took over in February 2022 after moving from Bedford. Emma’s worked for TJ’s behind the scenes for a number of years while Colm wanted a complete career change after working as an engineer for Formula 1.
When they’re not working in the cafe, they’re exploring their new home with their kids and enjoying the slow pace of Cornwall living!
Originally from Newcastle, Dan moved to Cornwall in 2017. A keen surfer with an extensive background in hospitality, you’ll find Dan mainly in the surf shop sharing his surf passion and expertise. He’s our resident expert in fin set ups!
Adam moved to Cornwall from Kent so he could surf everyday. His love of surfing shines through when he’s chatting to customers and the rest of the team. He’s passionate about getting people riding the right boards, and testing out the boards we stock in the shop!
Donna owned TJs until February 2022 before taking a step back and handing over the reigns to friends Colm and Emma. Enjoying a slower pace of life, Donna still helps out in the cafe a few days a week. When she’s not at work, she’s in the gym, running, spending time with her family and enjoying an active social life.
Larger than life, Henry’s a real character! He joined the team in 2022 after working at Oystercatcher in Polzeath. When he’s not working, Henry loves to party and plan his next overseas adventure!
Kirsty moved from the landlocked West Midlands to follow her passion for surfing and a slower pace of life. She loves working on the beach, chatting to customers and surfs before and after work as much as possible. She started surfing later in life and is the person to chat to for inspiration!
Married to our head chef Ste, they make quite a team!
A chance encounter in Indonesia led Lewis to Polzeath. Originally from Scotland where he worked as a chef, Lewis spends the summer in Polzeath and winters travelling. He loves surfing and has a passion for plants and growing produce.
Ste joined TJ’s in 2022. One day a week soon became 5 and he’s heading up the kitchen over Winter. With an extensive background in catering from hotels, bistros and small restaurants, Ste picked up his chef whites again after a break from the kitchen to enjoy beachside dining.
When he’s not working, Ste loves spending time with Kirsty and their two cats.
Ana has been with us on a seasonal basis for 7 years, returning to her home in Romania during the winter. She’s headed up the kitchen and worked front of house. Ana knows everything there is to know about TJs and is extremely passionate about it! She loves cooking and coming up with new ideas for our specials board.