40 St Ives Restaurants: The Ultimate ‘Where to Eat’ Guide
Choose from 40 St Ives restaurants by clicking on the cuisine of your choice. The big question when you get...
by / Food and Drink
Cornwall is home to hundreds of pubs renowned for their food and drink service, their stunning locations and their rich history. But we all know visiting every single pub on offer is a tall order, so, we have compiled an elite list of some of the best pubs in Cornwall.
Dive on in and discover your next favourite watering hole!
In the Tregadillett area of Launceston, you can discover the Eliot Arms, a historic gem in the ancient capital of Cornwall. It boasts a friendly and inviting atmosphere with a rich and extensive menu, all the food being homemade and locally sourced. You can even stay the night in one of their en suite rooms, though there are only two available.
The original building was built in the fourteenth century and became a coaching inn in the seventeenth. After falling into disarray a couple of hundred years later, it became a blacksmith’s briefly before becoming a pub again. The rustic homey pub wears its history proudly on its sleeve, with all sorts of memorabilia and photographs lining the walls. Its chief characteristic is the dozens of clocks of all shapes and sizes in every room of the pub, the hands frozen. A fun little pastime while waiting for your meal is to try and see if any one of the clocks matches up with the real-time!
The pub also boasts free parking for as long as you need as well as an extensive fully licensed bar set in pride of place in the centre of the main floor, the hub around which the patrons gather after a long day.
https://www.theeliotarms.co.uk/
Tripadvisor: 4.5 Stars
Not to be confused with Admiral Benbow in Treasure Island – though some think Robert Louis Stevenson may have used the pub as inspiration on a visit to Cornwall – the drinking house in Penzance is believed to be one of the oldest in the area. Its popularity is noteworthy as well, with esteemed visitors such as Gregory Peck and The Rolling Stones having visited it in the past.
Open since 1695, the Benbow is a celebration of the maritime history of Penzance, housing an assortment of nautical artefacts recovered from shipwrecks, making it so that stepping into the pub is like stepping back in time onto a ship of old. After having your meal, it is always worth exploring the town a little further as Chapel Street, where Admiral Benbow is based, is packed with history. Take in the sights of the Rotterdam Buildings, built with Dutch money taken by a privateer, or the Union Hotel where the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar was announced.
The pub’s menu is all-inclusive with vegetarian options available, a broad selection of drinks to choose from and a gluten-free menu.
Tripadvisor: 4 Stars
A few doors down from the Admiral Benbow, you can find the Turk’s Head, built in the 13th century and the oldest pub in the town. It was established when the Turkish invaded Penzance from Jerusalem in 1233. It was rebuilt in the 16th century when part of it was burned down in the Spanish invasion and it also became a haunt for smugglers in later years.
The food they serve is fresh and locally sourced, with their menu now open for takeaway options, with a two-hour window of preparation after ordering. They accommodate customers with dietary requirements and allergies to the best of their ability.
The food served has earned numerous awards and it shows in the presentation. A visually satisfying and mouth-watering dish is always a promise at the Turk’s Head, making it a perfect place to relax before heading down to the waterfront to soak up the coastal sights.
https://www.turksheadpenzance.co.uk/
Tripadvisor: 4 Stars
Just outside of Launceston in the hamlet of Treburley is a modestly sized and charming pub, the Springer Spaniel. They are proud of their Cornish roots and strive to reflect this in their menu, keen to give customers the authentic Cornish experience. The pub is a cosy and friendly place for a gathering with your friends for a pint or two. Free parking in front of the pub is available.
Previously known as the Sportsman’s Arms, the pub was a favourite gathering place of country-folk going on hunts back in the nineteenth century. This history is still evident throughout the building, from the antlers hanging from the walls to the new name, reportedly named for the hounds that helped the villagers in their hunting. Smaller dogs in a spaniel litter for example are well-used in the hunting of woodcock.
They have won many awards for their high standard pub food and this is reflected in their status as a sister pub to the Michelin starred Treby Arms in Sparkwell, Devon. Paying a visit to the Springer Spaniel always promises a high quality and enjoyable time.
https://thespringerspaniel.co.uk/
Tripadvisor: 4 Stars
Located in the centre of Bodmin, the Hole in the Wall was originally a debtor’s prison in the mid-late 18th century. The pub gets its name from the families of inmates who would pass food to them through a hole in the wall.
The pub boasts plenty of features on top of the top quality drinks served. There’s outdoor seating so you can soak up the sun, readily available parking, a television for all the news and sports you could want and free WiFi. The pub comes CAMRA recommended as well, just be sure to bring your own picnic, takeaway or meal as they don’t currently serve food here.
The Hole in the Wall is a charming and picturesque hideaway characterised by a leafy courtyard and a stream. You’ll know you’re in the right place if you can see a taxidermy lion staring out at you from one of the windows!
https://www.theholeinthewallbodmin.co.uk/index
Tripadvisor: 4.5 Stars
Morwenstow in Bude is home to the Bush Inn, a charming coastal establishment along the Southwest footpath that promises gorgeous scenery for any wanting to take a relaxing walk after enjoying a hearty meal. It is even believed that the inn was the inspiration behind Daphne du Maurier’s famous novel Jamaica Inn.
The inn includes a one-bedroom letting cottage, parking spaces and a well-maintained lawn with space for over a hundred customers. There is a play area in the beer gardens with panoramic views of the sea and during the winter months, you can warm yourself inside by an open fire.
As well as coming CAMRA recommended, the pub also hosts live music nights. The first Sunday of every month is an acoustic folk session and the third and fifth Sundays feature guest artists. Soak up the ambience of the songs while enjoying our classic fish and chips and a cold beer!
https://www.thebushinnmorwenstow.com/
Tripadvisor: 4 Stars
In the far southwest of Cornwall, you can find the famous First and Last Inn, one of many famous smuggler pubs along the coast. Smuggling was at its peak in the early nineteenth century. The glass-covered Annie’s Well, situated in the inn, is thought to be one of the entrances to the old smuggler’s tunnels. Brandy, silk and tea were the chief goods smuggled through the area. The building, now known as the Saddle and Stable Rooms, is believed to have housed the donkeys that carried lanterns to the cliffs to fool sailors and wreck ships.
Keep an eye out for Annie’s Shadow too, a ghost said to haunt her old room and the landing after she was drowned by the villagers and buried next to the pub in the 1800s.
The pub is only a mile away from the alluring tourist destination Land’s End. Travel down to the edge of Cornwall for stunning coastal scenery and to soak up the many attractions Land’s End has to offer from a restored two-hundred-year-old farmstead to a 4D cinema transporting you back to the time of dinosaurs.
They have opened a brand new children’s play area and serve meals that are both traditional and upmarket, including its very own ‘build your own pizza’ feature on the menu!
http://www.firstandlastinn.co.uk/
Tripadvisor: 4 Stars
A timeless, charming inn on the edge of Restronguet Creek, Pandora Inn is a highly decorated pub. It has taken home the Gold for ‘Pub of the Year’ multiple times along with a host of other awards and accolades. The inn was renamed Pandora Inn after the HMS Pandora that travelled to Tahiti to apprehend the mutineers of Captain Bligh’s Bounty. The captain of Pandora reputedly bought the inn after being court-martialed.
You can enjoy their locally sourced food in the pub, by the water’s edge or on our pontoon. They boast an award-winning menu, an ever-changing specials menu and a fresh and modern take on meals in keeping with Falmouth’s reputation as an artistic and modern hub.
After having a drink and a bite, you can take the time to explore the surrounding area. Enjoy a long walk along the scenic footpaths. The Southwest Footpath cuts through this area, the longest national trail in the country at 630 miles long. You can even start a walk at the free Mylor Bridge car park and stroll around to Pandora Inn working up an appetite for one of their acclaimed meals.
Tripadvisor: 4.5 Stars
Belushi’s is a beachside sports bar with a clifftop beer garden, providing gorgeous sights over the ocean. It boasts a modern and electric atmosphere with open mic nights, live sports, live music and DJ’s, promising a good time for all customers looking for a little excitement with their meals. They even have their very own surf school and the option to book parties from birthdays to beer pong packages, making it the perfect bar for students and young adults who want to let their hair down.
Belushi’s is a brand company that has spread all over Europe including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France. The first bar was opened in London in 1993 and the business has been expanding ever since. Spurred on by its popularity, eclectic appeal and modern aesthetic.
The Newquay branch boasts a mouth-watering selection of wings and burgers, along with a kids menu and all the cocktails and mocktails you can get your hands on.
Tripadvisor: 4 Stars
Cutty Sark is a friendly pub-hotel-restaurant hybrid previously known as the Albion Hotel. It was renamed in 1966 in remembrance of its namesake that had been moored in the Fal estuary. The Cutty Sark ship now resides in a museum in Greenwich. It had once been a Victorian tea clipper and was the fastest cargo ship of its time.
The pub has undergone significant refurbishment over the years as the owners work to restore its former glory, providing customers with unique high-end meals that showcase their professional standards and skyrocket them to the sweet spot between tradition and modernity.
After a meal, you can relax in one of their ten rooms, each with its signature light and airy tone for maximum relaxation. They are a dog-friendly establishment and the drinks are all hand-picked, complementing the meals and satisfying all tastes and budgets from a traditional ale to a more artisan wine.
https://cuttysarkfalmouth.co.uk/
Tripadvisor: 4.5 Stars
Located on the St. Ives harbour front, The Rum and Crab Shack is a modern celebration of beachside pubs with an electric and modern atmosphere. Founded in 2012 by four friends, the Shack has already become home to two house rums: a spiced rum named Dead Man’s Fingers and Stargazy Cosmic Caramel. The latter can be served as a shot, chilled or in a moreish espresso martini.
The bar is a hop, skip and a jump away from Porthminster Beach, providing magical views of the ocean while you sip on one of their signature drinks. After lunch, you can head down to the beach to partake in one of their coasteering or kayak tours, sailing around the bay to Porthmeor beach and taking in the sights.
They are dedicated to giving their customers a state of the art rum experience with happy hour at 12-6 pm and a wide selection of seafood to sate your appetite along with a few kids options as well.
Tripadvisor: 4 Stars
The Old Inn in Bodmin is the oldest pub in the whole of Cornwall. It was built in the 11th century at the same time as the church, serving as lodgings for the monks. Its position on the edge of Bodmin Moor means you are treated to stunning scenery every time you visit, with the wind in your hair and heather swaying in the breeze.
The moor is one of Cornwall’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it shows in the wide expanses of grass, the wild ponies grazing and the tors silhouetted on the horizon. The moors are also home to the Bodmin Jail which is a famous tourist attraction. It is also home to Siblyback Lake which is the go-to location in the area for inland watersports.
While at the Old Inn, you may hear stories about the Beast of Bodmin Moor while drinking a pint. If you come at the weekend, you can enjoy a Sunday carvery and the inn is a popular choice for weddings and other private functions.
https://www.theoldinnandrestaurant.co.uk/
Tripadvisor: 4.5 Stars
While visiting the Cornwall Hotel and Spa in St. Austell, you can also relax and get some refreshments at the Elephant Bar and Brasserie. The bar always endeavours to showcase the best of what Cornwall has to offer from caramelised onion tart to their Cornish fillet steak speciality.
The bar is set in one of the most picturesque areas in Cornwall. It is surrounded by 43 acres of woodland and gardens and the establishment itself is home to many interesting Victorian-era curios, the bar transporting you back in time. Relaxation is important to the bar as well. Sitting on the Parkland Terrace with a cocktail in hand while drinking in the views of the Pentewan Valley is the best way to truly soak up the atmosphere and get lost in the charm of the area.
Take a moment to bask in the tranquillity of this countryside escape with the spa as well, featuring an award-winning range of beauty products along with an infinity swimming pool, a dry sauna and a bubble pool. And these are just a few of the features the spa has on offer.
Tripadvisor (for Cornwall Hotel and Spa): 4 Stars
Right out on the edge of St. Ives by the Wharf, you will find the Balcony Bar and Kitchen. It is well situated, with stunning views of the harbour as well as a nearby amusement arcade and ice cream shop, making for the perfect day out.
They boast a varied menu with meals that cover everything from breakfast to dessert, making it that much more enticing to spend a day out with the family and really absorb all the beauty of the bar and the surrounding area.
The bar features regular music and sports events for those of you wanting a calmer day in and if you fancy a walk afterwards, you can head over to the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum. The art and culture of St. Ives are unparalleled in Cornwall. Visit one site after the other and you’ll soon find you’ve worked up an appetite, so why not come full circle and enjoy a refreshing drink from their well-stocked bar before you head on home?
http://www.balconybarstives.co.uk/
Tripadvisor: 4 Stars
Another pub in the cultural heart of Cornwall, the Sloop Inn has been open since the early 14th century. It is a famous haunt for fishermen and local artists have the opportunity to have their work featured on the walls, a worthy achievement in a town renowned for its focus on artistic excellence.
The Tate Gallery and other galleries are within walking distance, as well as beaches and other shops, making for the perfect day out for the family, whether you’re looking for some action-packed family fun or a more contemplative and peaceful tour of all the art on offer.
While eating at The Sloop, you will be spoiled for choice. Not only is there an exquisite menu and drink selection you can also choose to eat in the main pub restaurant, but the upper deck also provides sunny terrace views or the Captain’s Table which is above the bars and provides a more intimate dining experience. It offers the same menu as the pub but with the added benefit of table service.
Tripadvisor: 4 Stars
Are you planning a Pub Crawl around the best pubs in Cornwall and need the perfect accommodation?
At Carbis Bay Holidays, we have a wide range of luxurious and spacious self-catered accommodation to a vast array of requirements. You’ll find all the information you need on our website, but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our helpful team!
by / Food and Drink
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
Choose from 40 St Ives restaurants by clicking on the cuisine of your choice. The big question when you get...
In Cornwall we are blessed with a vast array of locally produced gins, all offering something unique to tantalise...
Let us tell you all about our favourite Cornish gin brands! Right here in Cornwall, we are lucky to...
