Of course, when touring Cornwall a pasty by the sea and fish and chips on a harbour wall are both mandatory, but there are countless pubs and beer gardens where you can sink into Cornish life, as well as sinking your teeth into some tasty food. Here’s our pick of the bunch.
1. Tinners Arms, Zennor
Often overshadowed by the Gurnards Head just down the road, the Tinners Arms in the pretty clifftop village of Zennor is a beautiful place to stop for a local ale, lunch or dinner.
The pub, which was built in 1271, brews its own delicious IPA and fresh Newlyn crab, chunky burgers and 28-day hung local steak are all served in style throughout the day.
2. Admiral Benbow, Penzance
The Admiral Benbow is a pub with smugglers history in its bones - below the kitchen are tunnels that lead to the harbour and ship paraphernalia hang and lean from every nook and cranny.
Whether you cosy up by the fire or dine in the ship-galley restaurant out back, the Benbow is somewhere that you won’t forget in a hurry. We highly recommend the steak and ale pie.
3. Pandora Inn, Mylor
It’s not a visit to Cornwall without a pitstop at the Pandora. This creekside inn with exposed wooden beams and flagstone floors serves fresh fish caught that morning and local veggie delights.
Arrive at the pub by foot, boat, bicycle or car and enjoy an afternoon in the Cornish sun, sat on the quay with friends and family. Perfect.
4. The Ship Inn, Porthleven
The Ship is, without a doubt, one of the best pubs in southwest Cornwall.
Out of the kitchen comes beautifully presented and mouthwatering dishes - be sure to check the specials board - all at more than reasonable prices. The pub itself hangs over the end of the harbour wall, and is a lovely place to sit out a storm with a good Cornish beer and soul-warming food.
5. Victoria Inn, Perranuthnoe
Not only is the Victoria just up the road from one of Cornwall’s best beaches and stretches of coastline, but it fully utilises the wealth of organic ingredients that come from Cornwall’s shores and waters.
Expect to find on the menu: mussels caught from just 10 minutes away, beef reared on a farm across the road and ice-cream churned on the opposite coast. This traditional, comfortable pub is dog and muddy-boot friendly and an ideal reward after a long day stomping the South West Coast Path!
