Pub News
- CAMRA Guest Review
Tuesday 8 April 2025
Nigel and Carol Fox are members of CAMRA Huddersfield Branch and visited Cornwall for a holiday. Some Kernow members met up and sampled the real ale delights of St Ives so here is a review of the holiday from a beer perspective.
Cruising Around Cornwall
10th-14th March 2025
Nigel and myself had booked our jaunt to St Ives in July 2024. We started our journey in Huddersfield getting picked up at 0730. We arrived at our hotel at 1910 and after our evening meal we decided to see if there were any local hostelries open. The first port of call we arrived at was the Queens Hotel, which had 3 hand pumps on – St Austell Tribune + Proper Job. Unfortunately all pumps were off so we had a bottle of St Austell bottle conditioned Hicks which was very palatable. Moving on we called into the Castle. Here there were 2 beers from Doom Bar and 1 from Skinners. We tried the Skinners Betty Stoggs. Pub was busy, looked as if there had been a quiz on. The last pub we called in was The Union Inn, which had 3 beers on but only 2 were on. We tried the St Ives Moer which was very nice.
Tuesday saw us on one of the trips the coach tour had organised – a trip to Falmouth. We had set off from the hotel at 9.30 and arrived in Falmouth at 1030. A bit early for a pint – but we had decided pre hand to go to Helston to try out what beers were on at the Blue Anchor. We caught the U4 Penzance bus to Helston at 11.35 and arrived at the Blue Anchor an hour later. A definite visit to this multi roomed pub and there we had beers from their own brewery Spingo Ales which were all in excellent condition.
After leaving Helston we decided to move onto Penzance (even though we were going there on Thursday) and after leafleting Tourist Information, we were in agreement that we should look for any real ale establishments before heading back to St Ives. First pub we came across was the Crown, home of Cornish Crown Brewery. Both the beers that were from the brewery were a bitter and a porter both in fine fettle. It doesn’t look like a pub that sells real ale so we were both pleasantly surprised The porter was in line for Champion Beer of Britain recently. After leaving the Crown we carried further into town and came across a Wetherspoons house, The Tremenheere. It was the Spoons beer festival and surprisingly they had 4 dark beers on. I tried Elgood’s Mocha Porter and Nigel had Fabrica Birra Perugia chocolate porter which both went down very nicely. One pub we passed on the way up to town was the Star Inn which didn’t look the sort to sell real ale but surprise surprise it supports local breweries and we tried Tintagel Pendragon (an IPA) and Tingtagel Caliburn (a porter) – both went down very nicely. We finished the day going to some football – a gentleman we got in touch with very kindly gave us a lift to and from the game at Hayle. Wednesday was our free day, and before leaving Huddersfield, we’d been in contact with Kernow CAMRA and we spent the afternoon in St Ives trying out one or two of the public houses in the town. We went to one or two that we’d already been to on the Monday but the pub of the day was the Pilchard Press. It’s located on the harbour down a ginnel and if you didn’t know it was there you wouldn’t have known although there is a small sign to let you where it is. When we told them we were going to Penzance the next day they very kindly recommended a couple of hostelries to us that we hadn’t known about when we went round on the Tuesday. A very good afternoon was had by all. Many thanks to Kernow CAMRA for putting up with us for the afternoon. Maybe meet up with them again.
Thursday was already taken up by a trip to Paradise Park, a bird sanctuary at Hayle, and after spending an hour and a half there we then moved on to the other part of the trip to Penzance. After being dropped off Nigel and myself went on to find the 2 pubs recommended by Kernow CAMRA the previous day – The Dock on Quay Street and the Admiral Benbow which was just up the road from the Dock. The Dock had at least 3 beers on so we tried the Brisons bitter we enjoyed. Making our way up to the Admiral Benbow, we were keen to try the 2 beers that they had on there. Both from Treen brewery, Essential and Classic, which were very palatable. We called back into the Crown again before setting off back to St Ives. Our tea wasn’t until 7.00 so we nipped into St Ives again, and called in for a quick pint in the Pilchard Press (just to make sure it was alright & it was!!) and the Lifeboat which was next door. We had noticed it on the Wednesday after we had parted ways with Kernow CAMRA so we thought we’d give it a try. The beer we tried was St Austell Hicks. This was on draught and was very pleasant. After our meal we finished the day at the Belgium Bier Huis Grand Café. The beers we had were good but as predicted very expensive. Carol had a bottle of Kwak – she even had to remove a shoe!!
A good trip overall.
Carol & Nigel Fox
Correct as of 10-14th March 2025
- Pub of the Year announced
Wednesday 12 March 2025
CAMRA Kernow Announces Pub of the Year 2025 Winner The Hole in the Wall, Bodmin, Crowned Cornwall’s Best Pub Cornwall CAMRA Kernow is delighted to announce that The Hole in the Wall, Bodmin, has been named Cornwall’s Pub of the Year 2025. The prestigious award recognises excellence in beer quality, atmosphere, service, and commitment to real ale and the local community. The competition was exceptionally fierce this year, with three other outstanding finalists: The Old Ale House in Truro, Moth and the Moon in Falmouth, and The Star Inn, Vogue. Each of these establishments showcases the very best of Cornwall’s pub scene, making the final decision incredibly difficult for the judging panel. Landlord Steve Hall and his team at The Hole in the Wall impressed the judges with their dedication to top-quality real ale, warm hospitality, and historic charm. The pub, known for its rich history and welcoming atmosphere, has become a favourite among both locals and visitors. Paul Waller, Chairman of CAMRA Kernow, commented:“This year’s competition was incredibly close, with all four finalists demonstrating the highest standards of excellence. However, The Hole in the Wall pipped it for its outstanding selection of real ales, commitment to the community, and superb customer experience. Huge congratulations to Steve Hall and his team!” The award will be officially presented at The Hole in the Wall on TBC, where members of CAMRA Kernow and local beer enthusiasts will gather to celebrate the achievement.
- Old Ale House Festival Beer list
Tuesday 11 March 2025
Old Ale House Beer Festival Beer list - 14th to 26th March
Beer on Sunday £3.50 per pint
- Bowgie Inn Launches New Membership Scheme
Thursday 20 February 2025
Bowgie Inn Launches Exciting New Membership Scheme for Loyal Customers
The iconic clifftop pub introduces a rewarding way for guests to earn points, enjoy exclusive perks, and stay connected through the Bowgie Inn App.
Bowgie Inn, one of Cornwall’s most iconic clifftop pubs, has launched its brand-new Membership Scheme, designed to reward loyal customers while enhancing their experience at the beloved venue.
For over 50 years, Bowgie Inn has been at the heart of the community, providing stunning coastal views, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere from Crantock, near Newquay. Now, the introduction of the Membership Scheme allows customers to enjoy even more benefits simply by visiting and dining at the pub.
Every time a customer visits Bowgie Inn and spends with them, they will earn points. For every £1 spent, members will receive 1 point. With each point worth 10p, app members can effectively enjoy a 10% discount on future purchases.
The scheme is completely free to customers, who simply need to download the Bowgie Inn App on iOS or Android, create an account, and start earning points immediately.
“Our pub has always been about bringing people together, and this Membership Scheme is our way of giving back to those who make Bowgie Inn the special place it is,” said Sally Pickles, owner of Bowgie Inn. “We want our visitors to feel part of the Bowgie family, and this scheme is just another way we can enhance their experience.”
Beyond earning rewards, the Bowgie Inn App serves as a one-stop hub for everything happening at the pub. Members will receive real-time updates on special deals, seasonal menu changes, and be the first to know about upcoming events.
In 2025, exciting plans are in store, from special promotions to exclusive member-only offers such as double points days and early event access.
“For over 50 years, Bowgie Inn has been a home away from home for locals and visitors alike. Whether it’s catching up with friends over a pint, enjoying a hearty meal after a coastal walk, or simply soaking in the Cornish sunsets, our pub is a place where memories are made. Now, with our Membership Scheme, we’re making those moments even more rewarding!” added Ms Pickles.
- Oddfellows Arms Sponsor Falmouth Town FC
Wednesday 29 January 2025
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Oddfellows Arms in Falmouth are the new front of shirt sponsors of the away kit at Falmouth Town FC. Great place to go before and after the game.
Falmouth Town FC play in the Southern League South Division
- The Stag Hunt Ponsanooth to reopen this Friday
Wednesday 29 January 2025
We are pleased to announce that The Stag Hunt Inn Ponsanooth will reopen this Friday at 5pm.
A big thank you to those in the community who have come forward to help us keep the pub open.
- Bowgie Inn launches new website to enhance customer experience
Tuesday 21 January 2025
Bowgie Inn, the pub perched on West Pentire headland in Cornwall, has been around for over 50 years but it’s as forward-thinking and innovative as ever, launching its brand new website yesterday:
www.bowgie.com
This new website is all about creating a seamless, user-friendly experience that brings a little bit of Cornwall with you wherever you go, and wherever you're visiting from! Bowgie Inn has a huge following across Cornwall, the UK and even the world - who are particularly interested in the live webcam which streams the surf and views over Crantock beach all across the globe!
- The Rising Sun Inn Gunnislake
Tuesday 21 January 2025
- Tyacks Hotel Camborne Senior Food Menu
Monday 20 January 2025
- Message from Wayne at Stag Hunt Ponsanooth
Friday 17 January 2025
Hello all, firstly apologies for the silence on our end while we have been in consultation. It was with a heavy heart we shut the doors to the pub, the reason for this was due to not enough people coming in and buying a drink. We cannot afford to keep the pub alive if not enough people are using it regularly. We have however after some discussion, found a potential way for the pub to remain open while we await a sale, but it needs your help. What we would require from the village is people to volunteer their time to work the bar and for a large amount more of the village to come through the door and buy a drink. If you believe you can help with this please contact us separately through messenger and if enough people can support us we can meet to discuss further. Many thanks Wayne and Michelle
- Red River Inn, Gwithian added to CAMRA discount scheme
Monday 13 January 2025
Red River Inn is a gastro pub based in Gwithian that has always offered quality food. The beer is having an upgrade also with up to three hand pumps allocated for real ale from local Cornish and Devon breweries.
The offering currently includes Doombar and Sea Fury from Sharps with an additional ale to be added for the winter months. Come summer there will be more real ales on the bar.
The refurbished interiors are welcoming , as is the gesture from ownership and management to offer CAMRA members discount on their beer choices upon the showing of a valid membership card.
In addition to all of the real ale news a beer festival has been announced for the 16th to the 18th May 2025. Up to 12 ales and 4 ciders on show.
Live music and food all by the beach.
- Burns Night Menu at The Old Ale House Social 25.1.25
Saturday 11 January 2025
Burns Night tickets selling fast so please avoid disappointment and get your tickets as soon as you can.
Discounted for CAMRA members
Menu below
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- Old Ale House, Truro closed 12th Jan
Thursday 9 January 2025
Sunday 12th of January we are closed for our Christmas staff party. Back to business as usual on Monday.
- The Stag Hunt Ponsanooth Closed until further notice
Monday 6 January 2025
Message from owners on Facebook 6.1.25
We regret to inform you all that the pub will remain closed until further notice.
- Pub of the Season Winter Nominations updated
Sunday 5 January 2025
Winter Nominations - UPDATED 5.1.25
As it stands - Still time to nominate a pub of your choice.
Ship Inn - Porthleven
Crown Inn - Lanlivery
Rising Sun - Truro
Hole in the Wall - Bodmin
St Maybn Inn - St Maybn
Two Bridges - Saltash
- CAMRA Social at The Rashleigh Inn Polkerris
Saturday 4 January 2025
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Saturday saw the CAMRA social at the Rashleigh Inn above Polkerris Beach.
A good turnout of CAMRA members, and friends, saw a packed pub with a varied beer selection on offer.
A wide range of beers available, from a wide range of brewers, which were warmly welcomed by all given the outside weather.
Thank you to Daniel and team for their hospitality and congratulations on such a great event.
- Driftwood Spa closes for refurb
Saturday 4 January 2025
Annual Closure at The Driftwood Spars
Dear friends,
Every now and then, even the coziest of spots needs a little TLC!
After our evening service on Sunday the 5th of January, we’ll be closing our doors for some maintenance work and a chance to spruce things up behind the scenes. But don’t worry – we’ll be back, better than ever, on Thursday, January 23rd!
We’ll miss seeing all your lovely faces during this time, but we can’t wait to welcome you back to The Drifty with a fresh sparkle and the same warm charm you know and love.
Thank you for your understanding – see you soon!
#DriftwoodSpars #StAgnesCornwall #SeeYouSoon #AnnualClosure
- Falcon Inn, St Mawgan closing for a short break
Saturday 4 January 2025
*****Short Break Notice*****
We will taking a short break to allow our team to have a well deserved rest.
We will be closing from Thursday 2nd January - Friday 17th January. Our kitchen will reopen on Saturday 18th January.
Thank you to all our customers new and old for your support in 2024. See you all in a couple of weeks. Here’s to a great 2025
- Burns Night Social added to Diary
Thursday 2 January 2025
Burns Night Supper at the Old Ale House Truro added to the Diary for 25.1.25.
£25 for CAMRA members
- GBG Branch Selection Meeting
Tuesday 31 December 2024
On the events page we have scheduled in the GBG selection meeting and vote for PotY Winter at Hole in the Wall, Bodmin at 12.00 noon.
- Barrel at Bude Christmas Opening Hours
Sunday 22 December 2024
- Brendon Arms Christmas Opening Hours
Friday 20 December 2024
- Golden Lion Port Isaac Christmas Opening Hours
Thursday 19 December 2024
- The Wilcove Inn Christmas Opening Hours
Tuesday 17 December 2024
Our Christmas & New year opening times
Christmas Eve- 12:00-19:00 (food 12:00-17:00)
Christmas Day - CLOSED
Boxing Day - CLOSED
27th-30th Normal hours
New Year’s Eve - 12:00-1:30 am (food 17:00-21:30)
New Year’s Day - 12:00-17:00 (food 12:00-15:00)
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all x
- Star Inn Vogue Christmas Opening Hours
Monday 16 December 2024
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- Tim’s Tipple Driftwood Spars
Saturday 14 December 2024
It’s time again for Tim’s Tipple!
This time, Tim’s Tipple is Driftwood Spars Brewery's Codename Robin!
As winter draws in here on the Cornish coast, a bold Robin has taken to sneaking into our brewer's yard at every opportunity. We see it as a good omen and thought we'd brew an extra special beer in honour of our new companion.
A 7%, Gingerbread Stout - Rich molasses and gingerbread notes on the nose followed up by a smooth, roasty dark chocolate flavour, finishing with a lingering gingerbread finish to compliment the malt sweetness.
It's even gluten-free!
Come down to the pub and try this exceptional brew - you won’t want to miss it! See you soon at The Drifty!
#TimsTipple #BrewPub #StAgnes #StAgnesCornwall #DriftwoodSparsBrewery #CraftBeer #BrewPub #DriftwoodSpars #Cheers #CAMRA #CAMRACornwall #CornwallCAMRA
- Brendon Arms Bude Car Park Closure
Friday 6 December 2024
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Public service announcement!
We will be closing our car park this coming Monday (December 9th) until Thursday (December 12th) for essential tree maintenance.
The car park must be empty by midnight on Sunday the 8th of December.
- Blisland 30
Thursday 5 December 2024
Firebrand Brewing co have brewed the Blisland Inn a beautiful session bitter, to celebrate their 30 years.
Cracking pint at only £3.30
- Bell Inn, Launceston
Wednesday 27 November 2024
The Bell Inn, Launceston’s much loved real ale haven, is on the market due to the landlord’s impending retirement. On Thursday December 5th at 7pm we are holding a meeting for people interested in keeping the pub as it has been for the last 6 years, at the Bell Inn.
We are looking for people with knowledge of pub management, potential investors, experience of acv procedures and other areas that may be useful to us. Could you possibly draw this to the attention of our members in the county.
We already have a number of potential investors and landlord accommodation would also be available . Any help or support you could offer would be greatly appreciated. My thanks in anticipation, Chris Ham
ku.oc.liamtoh@56mahsirhc
- Betty Stogs Presentation
Wednesday 27 November 2024
Paul Waller (Chairman) is to present £100 to Betty Stogs Charity from the proceeds of the raffle at the recent Mini Beer Festival in Vogue.
Thursday 28th November at 7.30 in the Taproom Riverside, Truro home of Skinners/Goodh brewery.
Members welcome to come along.
- Calling all Publicans
Wednesday 27 November 2024
Calling all publicans!
Airbnb is offering three cherished pubs in England and Wales a £10,000 cosmetic makeover of their guest room and support with hosting from the Airbnb Community Team as part of an exciting new project in partnership with CAMRA.
Let Airbnb know how your pub supports your local community and why you would be a great Airbnb host before 11.59pm GMT on 31 December 2024 to take part.
Find eligibility rules and apply here:
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