Cosy Pubs For The Colder Months
A place for weary travellers to hang their coats and rest their aching feet, the humble Cornish pub has offered sanctuary and shelter for almost 1000 years. Whilst cookie-cutter gastro-pubs have been popping up like daisies all over the country, there are still many establishments in Cornwall who are striving to keep things traditional. Cosy snugs, front bars warmed by roaring open fires, slate flagstone floors and black and white photographs from days gone by, Cornish pubs are atmospheric, welcoming and warming, especially after a blustery walk on the coast. Sit down around the fire, pint in hand, or tuck yourself into a corner with a plate piled with roast and gravy - the best wet and wild winter weekends end in one of North Cornwall’s rustic pubs.
A bustling hive of activity all year round, The Golden Lion in Port Isaac is one of the hubs and hearts of the village. Proudly serving local ales, beers and spirits, this atmospheric pub is the best place to sit back and watch the waves breaking over the harbour walls through the winter months. Is there anything more satisfying than standing, pint in hand, in front of a roaring fireplace whilst the outside world gets battered by the Atlantic? We think not. Famously where local sea shanty group The Fisherman’s Friends found their voices, The Golden Lion proudly displays its maritime and even smuggling past, with glass-covered steps descending to a tunnel in the cellar’s Bloody Bones bar which reportedly leads to a cave on the beach – perfect for escaping the customs men or moving and hiding contraband. Warm, cosy and traditional, relax as the winter storms rage, dry your walking boots, and listen to a seafarers yarn or two.
A riot of colourful hanging baskets in summer, come autumn it’s the cosy interior that is the hero. Found on the seafront of picturesque Port Gaverne just a few footsteps down the hill from the top of Port Isaac, the pub comprises a small, atmospheric bar and lots of tucked away tables dotted throughout the historic building. Throughout the Port Gaverne Hotel is colourful stained glass and black and white photos showing the history of the cove, dating back to the 1800s when the port was exporting Delabole slate. Serving delicious seasonal food, the hotel is a perfect stop for coast-path walkers or day trippers to Port Isaac, offering refuge from the howling so’westerlies.
If you’re looking for a truly traditional pub, the St Kew Inn, dating back to 1460, ticks all the boxes; a huge open fireplace, slate flagstone floors, antique farming equipment mounted on the walls and black and white photos from days of old. Run by a former RAF squadron leader through the 1980s and famous for their steaks and delicious Sunday lunches, the St Kew Inn is a warm and welcoming pub for locals and travellers alike. On beautiful winter’s days when there’s a bite in the air but the sun is shining, wrap up warm and enjoy the beautiful beer garden, flanked on one side by a river and overlooked by the ancient parish church. If you’re keen to eat we’d recommend booking ahead, as the restaurant is very popular.
Famed for the delicious food, the St Tudy Inn is a hidden gem nestled within a rural village only 20 minutes drive from Port Isaac. The sleepy village of St Tudy is made up of picturesque cottages and farm houses with the infamous pub at the centre. Priding themselves on their ‘home and hearth’ vibe, the St Tudy Inn is a 16th Century pub focused on bringing people together. Gather round the log burner, get involved with the winter Quiz Nights or Fish and Chip Fridays, and soak up the atmosphere this characterful village pub has to offer.
Perched on the edge of Bodmin Moor, The Old Inn in St Breward is Cornwall’s highest pub, sitting at around 720 feet above sea level, and reportedly one of its oldest. A welcome sight after a wet and wild dog walk on the majestic moors, The Old Inn has stood strong since the 11th Century. The current landlord, Mr Darren Wills, has been keeping bar for the past the past 25 years, and The Old Inn is notably still a freehouse (so independent and not owned and operated by a brewery) - which isn’t that common in Cornwall anymore. Open from 11am until 11pm every day of the week, this pub is dog friendly with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, roaring fire and award winning Sunday carvery.
Fancy a pint? Two of these pubs are within short walking distance of all of our properties and close to the coast path, making them ideal for those of you staying with us in the village. Should you fancy a day or evening out further afield or a walk inland, and one of you is willing to be the sober skipper, then the final three are just a short drive away or you can talk to us about arranging a taxi so you can have a drink. Best enjoyed over the winter months, no holiday in Cornwall is complete without sampling the local beers and ales, and for non-drinkers the atmosphere alone should be enough to tempt you over the threshold. Cheers!