Cornwall pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Cornwall - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

The Blue Peter, Polperro

picture of The Blue Peter, Polperro

Address: Quay Rd, Polperro, Looe, Cornwall, PL13 2QZ [map]
Phone: 01503 272743
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Nearest train station: Looe (3.6 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Landlord and staff are friendly as can be. Had the local cider, brewed just down the road, absolutely gorgeous. Lovely cosy pub, food looked great. Definitely come here if I return to Polperro.
7 Mar 2010 04:49
My personal spot for a quality pint is top of the steps just outside the door surveying the village and the tourist throng...

Cosy,traditional,just what you would expect really...
23 Feb 2010 20:51
I have been coming to Polperro with my family for the past four years. The Blue Peter is the BEST pub in the village. The atmosphere is great, the staff wonderful, the bands are brilliant and the food is delicious. As soon as we arrive, my kids, 15,13 and 10 are desperate to go there for dinner. Last November, I came to Polperro with my girlfriends and had the best weekend away ever - most of it spent in the Blue Peter! Would definately recommend to anyone - youngsters and old alike. Our family are coming back in August (and hopefully my friend and I before then!) to enjoy the Blue Peter and Polperro again - love it!
19 Jan 2010 13:41

The Blue Anchor, Helston

picture of The Blue Anchor, Helston

Address: 50 Coinagehall Street, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 8EL [map]
Phone: 01326 562821
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Reviews by BITE users:

Took the opportunity to visit last Friday. Middle and Special on excellent form. IPA tasty but cloudy.
1 Nov 2009 22:56
I always have to get in this pub when I'm in Cornwall. Nipped in on Thursday, Middle top notch, great chat, this pub is drinking heaven. If ever you get a poor pint, say something, they will always sort it out no hassle. In an area where all the St Austell pubs serve the ale too cold through a sparkler The Blue Anchor shines bright as a beer lovers oasis.
24 Oct 2009 15:22
went in late september the special was great the middle was the worse pint of middle in 8 vists still a great pub but seems to be going downhill
10 Oct 2009 11:54

The Star Inn, Crowlas

picture of The Star Inn, Crowlas

Address: Crowlas, Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8DX [map]
Phone: 01736 740375
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Nearest train stations: St Erth (2.4 miles), Lelant Saltings (3 miles), Penzance (3.1 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

The quality of the ale at this pub is quite frankly the best I have ever come accross in over 30 years of drink real ale. The man is a genius at brewing, keeping and dispensing ale.
5 Nov 2009 16:44
Gorgeous, quality cask beer from Penzance Brewery and others. Highly recommended.
2 Nov 2009 00:14
For an overview read RogerB from 10th April and my input really echoes all the others. This man really can brew, every time I go there whatever you have is not just good it is outstanding. The best pint I had all year was one of his brews... quite wonderful. I even like the fact that it can feel a bit empty..in that oldish style but friendly way.
28 Oct 2009 19:20

The Star Inn, St Just

picture of The Star Inn, St Just

Address: 1, Fore St, St Just, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 7LL [map]
Phone: 01736 788767
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Reviews by BITE users:

Very friendly pub, felt like a local when i was only on my holiday. Well done!
29 Jan 2010 10:32
Best pub in St Just by a mile and one of my favourite pubs I've ever visited.

We drank there every day of our week long stay and were made to feel like locals by the locals.

Live music (Monday was it ) night was superb ... very busy.

29 Jan 2010 10:14
Very very busy weekend...but professional and attentive service always maintained. Tribute and Tinners superb. Really enjoyed the company and singing. Would return for another feast.
6 Nov 2009 08:58

Jubilee Inn, Pelynt

picture of Jubilee Inn, Pelynt

Address: Jubilee Hill, Pelynt, Nr Looe, Cornwall, PL13 2JZ [map]
Phone: 01503 220 312
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Nearest train stations: Sandplace (3.3 miles), Looe (3.4 miles), Causeland (3.9 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

I would just like to point out that I really did emjoy the food when i went to the jubilee, staff were great! I live in the local area and will always suggest it to anyone! But I say these things because that is my opinion, and i certainly did not post comments under a different name! All i will say, great pub, and please remember to respect others on this site!
14 Jan 2010 19:04
we called in a few weeks ago for a swift one, on the way to the spar shop in plynt. sampled the proper job and finished up having a session . a bit expensive but still good value, i tend to forget about the price when i find a truly remarkable beer. well worth a visit for this alone.
27 Sep 2009 12:08
Over the years I visted many pubs in the County some good, some bad, and some that would make you sign the pledge. I have visted the Jubille and stayed there, before they refurbised the rooms, and after, which are I belive for a pub first class, and deserve the award that they have just achived.
The remarks by Skinnersbeer ( Thats a brewrey in Truro )!!!! and gettothepoint I agree with someones view that they seem to have similar theme.
My view is: Good pub, lovley staff good honest food wellhot presented priced for what you recive. and I can tell Nuked food and you dont get that there

10 Aug 2009 14:07

The Castle Inn, St Ives

picture of The Castle Inn, St Ives

Address: 16, Fore St, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1AB [map]
Phone: 01736 796833
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Nearest train stations: St Ives (0.2 miles), Carbis Bay (1.4 miles), Lelant (3 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Great service, lovely atitude from the staff. The ales here very and a good for it. Lovely atmosphere with an amazing pub design, good prices also. Would reccoment.
17 Mar 2010 13:57
Easily our favourite St Ives pub. We have been using it for a numbner of years and nothing ever really changes except the beers - on a daily basis! Many of the staff have also been there for ages,and always remember us and make us very welcome. Along with The White Horse, my local in Brum,this is my joint favourite pub in the entire world.
2 Dec 2009 13:54
Fairly bustling pub on one of the main streets in town. Nice pub feel to it and the Heligan's Honey was probably the best pint I'd drank in the town.
7 Nov 2009 23:14

The Admiral Benbow, Penzance

picture of The Admiral Benbow, Penzance

Address: 46, Chapel St, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4AF [map]
Phone: 01736 363448
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Nearest train station: Penzance (0.4 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Absolutely fantastic, i can not rate this Pub highly enough. Endearingly eccentric decor with beautiful, real beer and the friendliest Landlord, Landlady & clientele anywhere in Penzance.
29 Dec 2009 01:34
Odd but good.

Have visited many times. Usually a good crowd. Food is nice but pricey.

Bar area is small and eating area is large, which indicates the priorities of the Benbow.

Had a great Friday night in there though.

Decent!
18 Aug 2009 14:02
i like it. Was ecclectic to say the least. Space is tight in there and there was only one real ale on at the time. Still, the service was good and hospitable and friendly.
19 Jul 2009 23:20

The Crumplehorn Inn, Polperro

picture of The Crumplehorn Inn, Polperro

Address: Polperro, Looe, Cornwall, PL13 2RJ [map]
Phone: 01503 272348
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Nearest train station: Looe (3.6 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

I can assure you that I have nothing to do with pubs other than enjoying a good pint. "just a jealous competitor" You need to get your own house in order first before accusing others Mrs Mill.
15 Mar 2010 15:10
This is a great Cornish country pub. The food is excellent and the beer is superb. Oh and the bar is nothing like a commercial hotel bar and prices are what you would expect from a quality pub. Pasty hunter is just a jealous competitor..
7 Mar 2010 00:24
Perfectly positioned for the tourist traffic,but also keeps a decent pint...the usual Skinners/St Austell suspects.

Found the welcome very friendly,all in all a worthy pit stop!

23 Feb 2010 20:58

The Old Mill House Inn, Polperro

picture of The Old Mill House Inn, Polperro

Address: Mill Hill, Polperro, Looe, Cornwall, PL13 2RP [map]
Phone: 01503 272362
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Nearest train station: Looe (3.7 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

I can assure you that I have nothing to do with pubs other than enjoying a good pint. "just a jealous competitor" You need to get your own house in order first before accusing others Mrs Mill. Lovely the way you rate your own pub so highly yet put ALL the others down. And I hear it's up for sale - yet again.
15 Mar 2010 15:12
Pasty hunter is a jealous person who works for another pub and should get a life. This pub is excellent
7 Mar 2010 00:35
Never had a good pint here unfortunately. Food is lacking and seems like microwaved frozen tat. As for the owner, really needs a personality implant. Shame as it could be a good pub.
15 Feb 2010 22:58

The Ship Inn, Porthleven

picture of The Ship Inn, Porthleven

Address: Mount Pleasant Rd, Porthleven, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 9JS [map]
Phone: 01326 564204
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Reviews by BITE users:

An absolute classic. If only all seaside pubs were like this! Stunning location with a great real pub atmosphere. Obviously heavy on the food, especially in the summer months, but that never detracts from this being first and foremost a pub.
2 Dec 2009 17:57
Excellent. One of my favourite pubs anywhere. It is a quintessential Cornish pub, perched on the end of the harbour, overlooking the sea. On one of my recent visits, the waves were crashing onto the rocks, the rain hammering down and sea foam spraying the pub windows - sounds like a disaster film, but it only added to the place. Being stuck inside the authentic Ship and looking out on the howling weather only added to the visit. The fire was going, lowly lit laterns glowing and several pints of various Sharps ales made this a Cornish pub experience one to remember. I didn't want to leave and can't wait to return.
28 Nov 2009 20:13
Revisited the Ship and sampled more of their excellent Doom Bar bitter. Good quality food, an atmospheric location and friendly staff all add to the appeal. If you're in the area a visit is a requirement!
3 Nov 2009 00:14

The Alexandra, Penzance

picture of The Alexandra, Penzance

Address: Alexandra Road, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4LS [map]
Phone: 01736 365165
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Nearest train station: Penzance (0.8 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Still as good as ever.
Very friendly atmosphere.
Never any bother. People always friendly.
And some nice drinks, including Thatchers and Rattler.
25 Dec 2009 03:31
Good quality Skinners ale. A good pub to visit on a Penzance pub crawl.
7 Dec 2009 13:08
The Alex was one of the best pubs we visited in Penzance. GREAT owner who cared whether we were enjoying our stay there. Well kept real ales with a nice beer garden out back. Good atmospehere and-at all times- welcoming. Lastly, The Alex is about a 1 minute walk to the shorefront, so that's nice, too.
19 Jul 2009 23:24

The Fishermans Arms, East Looe

picture of The Fishermans Arms, East Looe

Address: Higher Market St, East Looe, Cornwall, PL13 1BW [map]
Phone: 01503 265800
See full pub details


Nearest train stations: Looe (0.5 miles), Sandplace (2.6 miles), Causeland (4 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

I love this pub and the people in it. Lucy was a feature here, but as already said, a little unsure of strangers, i was offered a taster of cheese with my drink from a local at the bar. (Nice chap).
29 Jan 2010 10:40
let me count the ways i love this pub. fantastic staff, good beer, wonderful ambience, great friendly locals, nice dog(s) (hi bandit!), brilliant music on the radio. this isn't a criticsm but i think they're missing a trick with not using the back room anymore.
come on landlord, it could be even better than it is already.
23 Aug 2009 21:42
BEST PUB IN LOOE.

A real pub ... wooden beams and flagstone floor.

We went on a Sunday which is the best day to go. Tosh is quite a character and plays requests on his guitar.

At one stage, I'm sure we were the only non-locals in the pub, but were made to feel very welcome.

Doom Bar and Addlestones on draft.

Great little pub ... DO NOT miss it.
14 Aug 2009 15:38

The Fort Inn, Newquay

picture of The Fort Inn, Newquay

Address: 63 Fore Street, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1HA [map]
Phone: 01637 875700
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Nearest train stations: Newquay (0.5 miles), Quintrel Downs (2.9 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Been visiting Newquay for 22yrs and have been a regular visitor over the years. We used to come with our children and now our granchildren. We have always found this to be the best family pub in newquay. We have seen many changes, but it always remains our pub of choice. As well as the beautiful view from here it as a indoor and outdoor play area as with children this is a must. sampled the food several times and not had any complaints, No doubt we will visit again this year. If I remember there was one visit to newquay when the fort was closed for refurbishment, we were most disappointed
17 Mar 2010 18:45
Fantastic views and good selection fo beers and are kept in tip top condition food is ok however eatin on a couple of occasions and chips are always cold.
Pity Simon has gone as the new manager is never seen, which maybe a good or bad thing, best to sit outside as the inside can be like a school dinner time if you get the timing or month wrong.
27 Sep 2009 23:05
A good 'cash-cow'. Very busy with a good mix of people and families. Well managed and controlled. The Cornish Ratler Cider and Perry were tasty and went down a bit too well!
Food menu well thought out for the market.
Well done
19 Sep 2009 22:07

The Watering Hole, Perranporth

picture of The Watering Hole, Perranporth

Address: The Beach, Perranporth, Cornwall, TR6
Phone: 01872 572888
See full pub details


Reviews by BITE users:

Best beach bar weve ever been in in the uk. Location to die for with views...amazing! Live music with good ales, bit expensive but most will pay. Cant wait to return.
20 Oct 2009 14:08
Lovely setting for a pub right on the beach. Great to sit outside people watching while enjoyong the real ale. Seating not just on the one side so it is possible to avoid the wind. Intersting but expensive menu, so we didn't eat there.
9 Jul 2009 18:11
This place just gets better, Heligan Honey, Tribute, and two house beers, one by Skinners, one by Sharps. Good choice of tasty foreign lagers, but with Fosters for the Hard of Tasting. £3.10 a pint is a bit dear, but worth it for the ambience, view and great beer.
27 Jun 2009 22:31

Kings Arms, Marazion

picture of Kings Arms, Marazion

Address: Market Place, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0AP [map]
Phone: 01736 710291
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Nearest train stations: Penzance (2.8 miles), St Erth (3.7 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Decent pub with friendly staff. A couple of well kept beers and a decent wine list. The meals are exceptional, but it's a good idea to book in the evening as it's a little small inside. Fresh pollack and scallops if it's on their specials is my favourate!
19 Oct 2009 14:18
Despite the lack of any panoramic view across the water to SMM, this was my favourite of Marazion's pubs on a recent holiday. Compact and cosy, this is a proper hostillery, with none of the artificial garishness of its neighbour, the Godolphin.
14 Aug 2009 21:46

Had lunch here on a Thursday and found the landlord to be friendly and welcoming - he also provided us with some very useful local knowledge on parking in the town. Tribute and HSD on offer in terms of ale and they were both in good form. We ordered food which was quite good but took a long time to arrive (despite only being salads and there being only one other table of eaters - also having salads). Opposite the pub is a cut through to the beach and the causeway to St Michael's Mount.
21 Apr 2009 23:35

More information

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