Tonight’s half dozen comes from a county I only really got to grips with just before lockdown, so most of these pubs have been visited relatively recently.
I won’t say these five pubs picked themselves, but there’s a common theme running through most of them you might spot.
Falmouth – Seven Stars (last visited 2020)
Well, you’d be surprised if this classic Bass boozer wasn’t in there, but it only really confirmed its legendary status on a 3rd visit, with a wise/unwise rapid 2nd pint from the barrel in rapid time;
“That second pint was nectar, and went down so quick the Old Boy on my right gave me a funny look.
At the bar, a well-dressed raconteur was telling us about the greats (not BRAPA). His mother had dined with Tommy Trinder, probably without Bass.”
Lanlivery – Crown (last visited 2020)
Actually, no Bass here, actually I left the sampling and ticking duties to my Sis, who had helped me negotiate the terrifyingly small lanes and high hedges leading to Lostwithiel,
where our reward was a rambling old multi-roomer with the best lunch in Cornwall.
Everyone needs to tackle the terrifying hedged lanes of Cornwall once. But no more.
Botus Fleming – Rising Sun (last visited 2020).
Back to Bass, and another ancient boozer, this time just over the border.
“A fine day for retired persons !” said Old Boy No.1. I silently agreed.
There then followed a long discussion about fence painting, or pence fenting as they call it down here.
I admired the Bass, a flat 3.5, and wondered who’d picked “London Calling” and whether it was a snide comment about Home Counties bringing down the plague.
John arrived.
“Would you like Bass, John ?”
“I do” said John, accepting the proposal while checking in.
No Bass in the next one.
Helston – Blue Anchor (last visited 2022).
In fact, the beer in the Blue Anchor isn’t your reason to go.
And it’s not just the rooms, or the fire, or the outside loos.
It’s just relentless pub, and you won’t escape being dragged into it. And that’s what I love.
St. John. The St John (last visited 2020)
The St John was a surprising new entry in 2020, and an instant Bass legend.
I have only one piece of advice. DON’T drive down that lane to get there.
Walk from the main road, and succumb.
Over to you to complete the half dozen.
If it was me it’s be a second in Falmouth, the ‘front.
Surprise me, find something in Redruth,
retiredmartin 
Well Martin, someone once wrote of the Fourways Inn, St Minver:
“I was surprised at how spartan the interior was.
There seemed to be no comfy chairs, and the benches were part of the structure, with very straight backs, and no pictures or ornaments.
We’d had better pints of St. Austell’s in the locality too.
When the barman asked me for the money, the locals’ conversation stopped, as if I’d been charged a tourist rate maybe.
As I left the bar there were chuckles, but I couldn’t discern about what.
If you’d arranged a pub so that a fight would cause minimum damage, then it would be like this.”
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A whole list of better nominees spurned here.
The 2 Star Inns, Crowlas and St Just.
The Dock on Penzance harbour.
The Ship at Porthleven.
The Countryman at Piece.
All much better nominees than anything on the list, with of course the honourable exception of the Blue Anchor.
And as for the ludicrous fixation with Bass, which no one shares outside Staffs and ex employees of the eponymous company,and certainly not in a county with its own proper breweries (which of course doesn’t include the multi national in Rock producing the blandest cask beer available)…..
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I dream of a world where it’s all Bass and Doom Bar with an occasional Plum Porter as a guest.
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I think that’s your equivalent of Braverman’s Rwanda dream.
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Be nice !
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The Star St Just, superb. The Star Crowlas, less so. Been there a few times, the beer was excellent but I didn’t like the pub. Not sure why, can’t put my finger on it, but I couldn’t warm to it.
Ship, Porthleven, just wonderful.
Don’t know the others apart from the Blue Anchor obviously.
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Bodmin on a wet, grey Boxing Day in 2022, with mostly everything closed, was dismal. But my visit was saved by the great welcome in the Hole in the Wall and more Bass!
I’ll put in a shout for the Blisland Inn while I’m at it.
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The Star, St Just
The Ship, Porthleven
The Blisland Inn, Blisland
The Tinner’s Arms, Zennor
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Tinners Arms, good shout.
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Definitely. Nearly smoked out of that one, memorable !
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I’ve never been to Redruth, but a colleague of mine told me that he went there once, on a business trip. It wasn’t for the faint hearted!
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It’s a bit Wild West
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Can’t argue with the Seven Stars and Blue Anchor. A difficult balance to strike between seasonal and regular trade in Cornwall – there are many dull pubs in stunning settings.
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Agree. I could have added the Blue Peter because the fish and chips were so good, and idyllic setting, but even that can feel like a canteen with beer.
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Draught Bass was once common place in the West Country, and certainly in Devon.
Yes, I am an ex-Bass employee and someone who has enjoyed many pints of Bass over the past five decades.
Fortunately, after many years in the doldrums, the beer is making a comeback, so don’t knock it, Mr beerisbestblog.
Please also be aware, there are many discerning drinkers, all over the country, prepared to travel long distances to seek out a pint of Burton’s finest. 😀
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Well said, Paul.
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Very sad news. Peter Elvin, owner of the Star in Crowlas and Penzance Brewing Company has passed away at 65 after a long illness.
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That’s no age. Sorry to hear that. Lovely pub.
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