Cornwall certainly has no shortage of country pubs, with several hundred scattered around the county. The challenge though, is often finding them, with the very best hidden away down tiny lanes or disguised behind murky windows right in the centre of bustling towns. In other words, it pays to be in the know before you set off in search of a hearty pub meal or simply a good pint.
With this in mind, Jill Landeryou and the team from Latitude 50 holidays in Rock has been out there doing some research and has come up with a list of our their 5 Cornish country pubs. Good food, excellent beers and some warm Cornish cheer await!
Here’s their guide to 5 of the best Cornish Country pubs…
Pandora Inn, Mylor
This 13th century Inn is a treat to visit with flagstone floors, a low-beamed ceiling and stunning thatched roof. It sits over looking the water of Restronguet creek and offers tasty food, an extensive wine list and ales from St Austell Brewery. Although the Pandora Inn looks like it is set in time it offers everything you would hope for from 21st century comfort and quality, and we loved it.
Ferryboat Inn, Helford
Around 330 years old, this pub seeps history. It’s surrounded by wooded banks and winding coast paths and like the Pandora Inn overlooks the water. The Ferryboat also benefits from a spacious south facing terrace, so it makes a truly blissful place to while away a spring or summer afternoon. If you’re not visiting in the warmer months don’t despair as they also have a crackling log fire inside, with comfy sofas too. The food is excellent as they operate a ‘farm to plate philosophy’ – make sure you try the local Helford Oysters with some of their delicious local ale.
Sloop Inn, St Ives
The Sloop Inn, in St Ives, prides itself on being one of Cornwall’s oldest and most famous Inns. It dates from about 1312 and like the others has the charming low beamed ceilings and slate floors that give a country pub its character. It also overlooks the harbour and has many paintings from the St Ives School artists hanging on the walls. Expect a wide range of keg and cask ales here, with a very good selection of local brews. The Sloop also has a first floor restaurant, which serves up lovely locally caught fresh fish and shellfish.
St Kew Inn, near Polzeath
The Kew Inn is a stunning country pub, set in the green and leafy countryside a short trip from Cornwall’s Atlantic north coast. The main part of the bar here was once home to the masons and craftsmen who built the neighbouring church. These days it is a welcoming pub, which also serves up great food in a relaxed but smart atmosphere. They serve beer from wooden barrels and a make a Haddock Kedgeree, which is so delicious it’s worth making the trip for this alone. The St Kew Inn also produce chutneys, pickles and marmalade which are so popular with customers that you can now buy them to take home!
The Cornish Arms, Padstow
The Cornish Arms, now run by chef Rick Stein, has rapidly become a firm institution on the north Cornish coast. With great views out towards the sea, you can enjoy home cooked food and some excellent drinks, including Steins own beers affectionately named after his dog, Chalky. The atmosphere at the Cornish Arms is always friendly and with a good mix of locals and visitors frequenting the pub. Be sure to try the mussels, which are simply the best.
We hope that you enjoy exploring Cornwall’s pubs – we certainly did!
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