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 Oddfellows Arms, Falmouth
Address: Quay Hill, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 3HG
Phone: 01326318530
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Nearest train stations: Falmouth Town (0.4 miles), Falmouth Docks (0.6 miles), Penmere (0.7 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Great little pub, a real gem with friendly atmosphere. The best of the 3 real ale bars in Falmouth with the seven stars and beerwolf close behind
22 Apr 2013 16:11
One of the best proper pubs left..Execellant landlady and landlord, serve perfect pint of real ale, warm friendly atmosphere always.20 Apr 2013 09:45
Been drinking at the oddies for over twenty years and the only rude people I've seen have been a few customers, I was never one of course! Looking forward to going down at the weekend for some lovely Sharpes Special and great company. Long may Vicky and Jay keep going. 18 Apr 2013 18:09
The Front Bar, Falmouth
Address: Custom House Quay, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 3JT
Phone: 01326 212168
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Nearest train stations: Falmouth Town (0.3 miles), Falmouth Docks (0.5 miles), Penmere (0.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Easily one of the best pubs I've ever been in. An outstanding range of ales - Falmouth's own permanent ale festival - which are always well kept, and the variety of bottles and ciders, both local and from afar, just top up any visit. The staff are knowledgable and extremely friendly, and the atmosphere is excellent. There's always someone to chat with and the location, as well as the fact you can bring in your own food, make it a well-rounded pub and a well-deserved CAMRA award winner.
4 Dec 2012 14:21
now falmouth has 2 great pubs. the other one is the 7 stars..for my first vist had a pint of proper cider and a pint of skinners. mention to the barman i was going for spingo in the blue anchor that same day.was told within the next 2 weeks middle was on order as a guest beer.sad i was coming to the end my holiday.one of the finalist in the camra national guide 2013.well done.one of my rare 9/10 in beer of the evening website in over 280 reviews. excellant pub10 Oct 2012 22:57
This is a brilliant pub. I've been on a tour of all of Falmouths pubs recently and I think this was probably my favourite. A nice atmosphere, good music, busy but with enough seating and an outside area overlooking the harbour, people of all ages and a fantastic selection of cask booze including a choice of 6 or 7 ciders, they even had a selection of games such as Connect 4 ! A super pub. Thoroughly recommended.3 Aug 2012 16:07
The Alexandra, Penzance
Address: Alexandra Road, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4LY
Phone: 01736 361173
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Nearest train station: Penzance (0.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
It's been my privilege to count this wonderful pub as my local for the last five months, and now I'm moving away I can honestly say that I'm going to miss it and the people there hugely.
Every single time I've been in without fail there's been a warm welcome, good drinks, fabulous banter that the locals are always happy to include visitors in (but will let people have a quiet drink if that's what they want) and in the summer, some of the best food you'll find in Penzance.
Seriously, if you're in the area visiting, pop in and soak up the 'craic at this absolutely magical pub - I've never known anywhere quite like it.
If in Penzance, then this is a MUST VISIT
and its pooch friendly, with biscuists and water on tap.
PLEASE VISIT
Every single time I've been in without fail there's been a warm welcome, good drinks, fabulous banter that the locals are always happy to include visitors in (but will let people have a quiet drink if that's what they want) and in the summer, some of the best food you'll find in Penzance.
Seriously, if you're in the area visiting, pop in and soak up the 'craic at this absolutely magical pub - I've never known anywhere quite like it.
31 Mar 2013 11:23
Paid a visit 3 times over the weekend, what a pub, the Landlady could not do enough albeit due to the winter season she had only two ales available from Sharps and Skinners, both were in excellent condition,If in Penzance, then this is a MUST VISIT
and its pooch friendly, with biscuists and water on tap.
PLEASE VISIT
11 Feb 2013 21:12
Nice friendly pub with decent beer and good food. Wonder if the putting course is finished yet? Feel this is going to be a favourite.25 Nov 2012 13:48
The Castle Inn, St Ives
Address: 16, Fore St, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1AB
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:
With regard to my previous post about the pub being sold, I would like to set the record straight by saying that I got it wrong - the pub was never sold. One thing I DIDN'T get wrong, The Castle is STILL the best pub in St.Ives.
9 Feb 2013 15:48
I meant to post this earlier as the long term landlady confirmed to me last year that the pub wasn’t for sale at all & I’m pleased to say is still the best pub in St. Ives. Great choice of changing beers & ciders, some from the barrel, & v. friendly staff. Dog friendly as ever & if they’re good, might well get a biscuit.18 Jan 2013 10:15
This is a cracking pub. Always use it when we're in St. Ives. Haven't been for down for a couple of years but went for New Year and it hasn't changed. Good range of ales that are very well kept. It's always a pleasant place to pass the time.17 Jan 2013 07:45
The Turks Head, Penzance
Address: Chapel St, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4AF
Phone: 01736 363093
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Nearest train station: Penzance (0.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Called in last Saturday, quite late on, the lady who served our ale should be congratulated for pulling a perfect pint, however she went home before we were able to thank her properly.
Although the Landlord was prepaing to close up, he spent a good 15 minutes talking shop with us.
Our Callum scores it 10 woofs, for doggy friendly
A hidden gem that you, MUST TRY
Although the Landlord was prepaing to close up, he spent a good 15 minutes talking shop with us.
Our Callum scores it 10 woofs, for doggy friendly
A hidden gem that you, MUST TRY
12 Feb 2013 20:08
Decent beer, but as we were scouting for places to eat rather than actually buying food, the landlady(?) was "terse" :/ There's better places to eat in Penzance so didn't go back.25 Nov 2012 13:14
A pub wannabe restaurant. Decent cask ales, the food (after having been sent back twice for not being what I ordered) was good.10 Jul 2012 22:06
The Crown Inn, Penzance
Address: Victoria Square, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 2EP
Phone: 01736 351070
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Nearest train station: Penzance (0.2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
small pub, with a big heart, get there early to find a seat, menu not tried but very interesting.....
Also Dog Friendly
A smallish pub, 5 minutes from the station. According to the blackboards, food is available but not every day!
Well worth a visit.
Recently became a brew pub brewing its own 'Crown' bitter and a slightly stronger 'Spa' pale ale.
Well worth seeking out.
Also Dog Friendly
11 Feb 2013 21:20
Crown Bitter and Otter available yesterday with SPA due on later. Their own bitter was excellent and only £2.70.A smallish pub, 5 minutes from the station. According to the blackboards, food is available but not every day!
Well worth a visit.
31 Jul 2012 08:10
A great little back street pub, probably the best in town. Recently became a brew pub brewing its own 'Crown' bitter and a slightly stronger 'Spa' pale ale.
Well worth seeking out.
20 Jun 2012 15:10
The Blisland Inn, Blisland
Address: Blisland, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4JF
Phone: 01208 850739
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Reviews by BITE users:
Great pub, really friendly locals and staff with a great range of beers, maybe a better food offer would be good but then it might change the nature of the pub and make it a gastro destination rather than a fantastic local, so sod it keep doing what your doing King Buddha, as they say if it aint broke dont fix it.
18 Oct 2012 18:58
Essentially shabby and dated but with a wide range of excellent beers and a friendly welcome. Today's offerings were Bass, Black Sheep, Cottage's Invincible, Sharp's King Buddha Blisland Ale and Blisland Bulldog, Greene King IPA, Harbour Brewing's Porter & Tintagel Castle Gold - all priced around the £3 mark with some not even that much. If you think you know your ales, see how many of the ceiling's beermats you remember!14 Sep 2012 18:49
Excellent range of real ales from far and wide available, including beers brewed exclusivly for the pub. Freindly locals. Beautful setting in the village. Has to be on any visitors list of must do pubs in Cornwall28 Aug 2012 12:51
The Old Ale House, Truro
Address: 7, Quay St, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2HD
Phone: 01872 271122
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Nearest train station: Truro (0.7 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Even though it is now a Skinners Pub lost none of its charm since I last visited on a stag do. Only had 5 minutes but you can't visit Truro with out having a pint of something from Skinners.
30 Dec 2012 17:21
This pub is now Skinners and the beer comes directly from the brewery in Truro.It is always excellent quality and there are usually different beers which you don't see elsewhere as well as the full normal skiners range.Well worth a look if in Truro.13 Oct 2012 19:17
Called in for food after an exhausting tour of Skinners brewery, found the service exellent and food that was superb. Will be on my to do list on next visit to Truro. Even my wife loved it...20 Sep 2012 12:25
The Fishermans Arms, East Looe
Address: Higher Market St, East Looe, Cornwall, PL13 1BW
Phone: 01503 265800
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Nearest train stations: Looe (0.5 miles), Sandplace (2.6 miles), Causeland (4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Sadly this pub is now no more. The lease was terminated and the premises taken back by Enterprise Inns on 15th Jan 2013. A local told me that the lease is £30k and the rent is £500pm so there is little chance of it coming back in my opinion. Shame, it was one of the only proper boozers in Looe.
We had been staying near Looe for a few days short break from our home in Lancashire & had been enjoying a lovely evening stroll around Looe when we found The Fishermans Arms. What a pub !
The atmosphere was great, people were welcoming & a great pint !
My 14 year old daughter who sings & plays the guitar was even given the opportunity to sing a couple of her own songs to the locals in the pub who were very kind & polite & gave her a cracking round of applause which gave her a memory that will stay with her for ever !
Thanks to all involved for a truly wonderful experience !
The Newman family !
4 Mar 2013 11:20
Myself & my family were walking past this pub on the evening of Sunday 30th September 2012 when I heard the live music coming out of the door. There was no way that I could walk past without nipping in for a taste of the atmosphere (even with my partner, 3 kids & the dog in tow) !We had been staying near Looe for a few days short break from our home in Lancashire & had been enjoying a lovely evening stroll around Looe when we found The Fishermans Arms. What a pub !
The atmosphere was great, people were welcoming & a great pint !
My 14 year old daughter who sings & plays the guitar was even given the opportunity to sing a couple of her own songs to the locals in the pub who were very kind & polite & gave her a cracking round of applause which gave her a memory that will stay with her for ever !
Thanks to all involved for a truly wonderful experience !
The Newman family !
2 Oct 2012 09:22
Lots of dogs. Cat on the tables. Parrot behind the bar. Slow service.Doom Bar reasonable . No locks on toilet door. Will give it another try.14 Jun 2012 10:25
The Three Pilchards, Polperro
Address: The Quay, Polperro, Looe, Cornwall, PL13 2QZ
Phone: 01503 272233
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Nearest train station: Looe (3.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Weird bar, a bit too bright which showed the slightly tired look of the place. Barman was good, beer was Sharps Own which was in good condition - cant remember what else as I only had one pint. Food looked and smelled good... Excellent location!
10 Feb 2013 14:06
Doom was not good. Served by disinterested floppy hair youth. Too expensive. No reason to go back.14 Jun 2012 10:52
Popped in for a pint on a sweltering day - a nice old pub with a pleasant atmosphere, friendly bar staff and decent beers but pricey being in a tourist hot-spot - £6.80 for a pint of Sharps and a pint of bitter shandy.25 May 2012 20:26
The Golden Lion, Port Isaac
Address: Fore St, Port Isaac, Cornwall, PL29 3RB
Phone: 01208 880336
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Reviews by BITE users:
We sat on one of the outside tables overlooking the harbour. The pub had character - plenty of old pine, Victorian fireplace, internal corridor, serving hatches etc. No problems with the service or beer. We didn't eat but found it better than previous reviewers seem to have......
Usual offering from St Austell's, Tribute, Trelawny and HSD.
22 Sep 2012 21:19
Delightful position right above the harbour and very busy. Can't quite think why. Maybe it's the Doc Martin effect. If you're looking for a decent pint, something to eat and maybe service with a smile, go elsewhere.8 Aug 2012 14:41
Sunday roasts £7.95, not very hot food nor plate.Usual offering from St Austell's, Tribute, Trelawny and HSD.
7 Aug 2012 20:29
Lifeboat Inn, St Ives
Address: Wharf Road, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1LF
Phone: 01367 94123
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Nearest train stations: St Ives (0.3 miles), Carbis Bay (1.4 miles), Lelant (3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Very dissapointed, aslisted as children and dog friendly,
however last Sunday, was rudely kicked out by a rude female for bringing our fully Trained Pub Dog, into the premises.
Suggest that you update your website details and train your staff in the art of good manners
You are giving pubs a bad name, never mind your paymasters.
however last Sunday, was rudely kicked out by a rude female for bringing our fully Trained Pub Dog, into the premises.
Suggest that you update your website details and train your staff in the art of good manners
You are giving pubs a bad name, never mind your paymasters.
13 Feb 2013 13:44
Great pub, great staff, great entertainment and fantastic food! Even when really busy the staff are helpful in finding you a table. Watched the match manu v chelsea on halloween there. Missing that man with the great smile :)5 Nov 2012 09:49
Large pub with 4 well kept cask ales. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable.12 Jul 2012 10:50
The Sloop Inn, St Ives
Address: The Wharf, St. Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1LP
Phone: 01736 796584
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Nearest train stations: St Ives (0.4 miles), Carbis Bay (1.5 miles), Lelant (3.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
After our disgusting treatment at the Lifeboat, this was a great surprise.
Ale first class and doggy beer(water), arrived faster than British Rail.
VERY RECOMMENDED...........PLEASE TRY FOR YOURSELF
Ale first class and doggy beer(water), arrived faster than British Rail.
VERY RECOMMENDED...........PLEASE TRY FOR YOURSELF
13 Feb 2013 13:49
Nice pub, but very touristy. It's a shame about the slot machine and TV screens too, not really in keeping.15 Nov 2012 22:06
Whilst it was pleasant sitting in one of the rear booths last night listening to a blues duo, my first pint of Doom Bar (£3.50!) had to be returned. They obviously didn't take too much notice that one of the handpulls needed a good clean because the chap sitting next to me later had to return his for the same reason. Old Speckled Hen and Ruddles County also available. A tourist trap basically.21 Sep 2012 08:37
The Bullers Arms, East Looe
Address: Buller Street, Looe, Cornwall, PL13 1AS
Phone: 01503 264325
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Nearest train stations: Looe (0.5 miles), Sandplace (2.6 miles), Causeland (4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Just back from a few days in Looe and spent most of it in the Bullers! Great entertainment and friendly staff! Looking forward to my next visit.
3 Apr 2013 01:01
Wouldn't go there again if it was the last pub in the world. Music too loud, played through speakers that were shot! Beer nondescript. Only thing going for it was it was wet! Very unfriendly place.2 Oct 2012 21:47
Dirty and grim. Tribute badged as Buller Brew was awful. Sour. But the look and noise coming fron blokes at the bar left us wary of taking it back. This will be one and only visit.14 Jun 2012 10:21
The Admiral Boscarn, East Looe
Address: Churchend, East Looe, Cornwall, PL13 1BU
Phone: 01503 262923
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Nearest train stations: Looe (0.5 miles), Sandplace (2.6 miles), Causeland (4.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
This pub/bar, that has never been run to its potential may be on the way out. The entire property is on the market for £1.25 million, and is promoted as "land" rather than "pub". Apparently any talk of Wetherspoons was turned down by the town a while back as it would have killed off any other pub in the town.
What's the fuss? To be fair I did not have a pint as there was no real ale, but it was loads more attractive than the Bullers and no feeling of menace. A bit " night clubish" but clean and no odour. The beer garden was not open.
4 Mar 2013 11:25
Only used the beer garden, very nice on a sunny afternoon. Real ale was Doombar which was quite nice.2 Oct 2012 21:53
Feeling fearless on a Friday lunchtime I went in alone. What's the fuss? To be fair I did not have a pint as there was no real ale, but it was loads more attractive than the Bullers and no feeling of menace. A bit " night clubish" but clean and no odour. The beer garden was not open.
15 Jun 2012 18:29
