On Saturday 25th June Cornwall CAMRA were very proud to be able to present The Hole in the Wall, Crockwell Street, Bodmin with Cornwall CAMRA’s Pub of the Year award for the second year in a row.

The Punch Taverns pub is run by Steve who is very passionate about real ales and maintains six real ales on hand pumps. He regularly changes two guest ales. The pub dates from the eighteenth century and can be entered through a side arch which leads from the nearest car park or from the front entrance which leads through a picturesque leafy garden. The pub was once used as the town’s debtors prison.

There is also a large white haired lion’s head displayed in the garden. The interior of the pub is full of memorabilia and interesting inscriptions. There is a restaurant upstairs which is aptly called The Lion Restaurant. The pub also boasts a large quiet beer garden to the side of the building with plenty of seats and flowers. Steve also regularly puts on beer festivals with extra stillage brought in to hold the barrels.

We had the great pleasure of being joined by Scott Mann MP for North Cornwall. Mr Mann introduced himself and shared his great interest in real ale also being a member of the All Party Ale Group in Parliament. He had written to the Chancellor to reduce the beer duty and emphasised how pubs need our support to survive. Mr Mann talked about ACVs (Assets of community value), how business rates affect pubs and the amount of tax relief they receive.

We were also joined on the day by 18 members of the Jail Ale Appreciation Society, many of whom are also CAMRA members. Scott from Dartmoor brewery, the home of Jail Ale brought the members for a day out from as far away as Paignton, Plymouth and Teignmouth. I believe a good day was had by all, well I know I enjoyed myself.

On behalf of Cornwall CAMRA (Kernow) I would like to thank Steve and his team for once again the great hospitality we received, Scott Mann for taking the time out of what must be a very busy schedule to talk to us and all members and non-members who attended the day.

Sonia Bunce, Press Officer