Beer in Cornwall: Breweries, Taprooms and Pubs to Try

When thinking about what to bring you from Cornwall, I settled on beer. We have a growing community of breweries producing some seriously interesting beers, alongside taprooms, bottle shops and pubs where the setting can be every bit as good as what is in the glass.

My brother works for the much-adored Beer Gonzo in Coventry, so when he comes home I like to show him the new beers I have discovered and the best places I have found to drink them. I must confess that, as a graphic designer, I am sometimes initially won over by the packaging!

Together we have found that Cornwall has plenty to offer the discerning palate. Here are a few of the breweries, beer shops and pubs that have caught our attention.

Cornish breweries to try

First up has to be Verdant in Penryn. Founded in 2014, Verdant has become one of the best-known names in Cornwall's independent beer scene, particularly for its hop-forward beers and wonderfully distinctive artwork. There always seems to be something new to discover.

At the other end of the timeline is St Austell Brewery, founded in 1851 and still one of Cornwall's best-known brewing names. If you are interested in how beer is made, it is worth seeing what brewery experiences and tours are available when you visit.

There are plenty of smaller independent breweries worth exploring too. Harbour Brewing, Black Flag in Perranporth and Pipeline in St Agnes are all names to look out for.

Taprooms and beer shops

If you would rather explore lots of different beers in one place, Red Elephant Beer Cellar in Truro is well worth knowing about. Its changing selection of bottles, cans and draught beers makes it a particularly good place for discovering something you may not have tried before.

Several Cornwall breweries also have their own taprooms or places where you can try the beer close to where it is brewed. These are often the best places to find seasonal or limited releases, so it is worth checking individual brewery websites before making a special trip.

Pubs with a view

Of course, where you drink your pint can make all the difference, and Cornwall has no shortage of memorable settings.

The Watering Hole in Perranporth is quite literally on the beach, so it is difficult to get much closer to the Atlantic. In Marazion, The Godolphin looks straight across to St Michael's Mount, which is a hard view to beat.

In St Ives, The Sloop Inn occupies a wonderful spot beside the harbour and is one of those places where the surroundings are every bit as important as the drink. Around Newquay, The Bowgie Inn has another superb coastal outlook.

I also have a fondness for Falmouth from my student days. The Chain Locker sits right by the water, while the pretty thatched Pandora Inn is another lovely place for a pint beside the creek.

Further up the north coast, The Port William at Trebarwith Strand has a spectacular position overlooking the sea.

More good places for a Cornish pint

There are plenty more worth adding to the list. The Blue Anchor in Helston is famous for its traditional ales, while the Ship Inn in Porthleven combines beer with another fantastic coastal setting.

Falmouth has several strong contenders, including the Seven Stars and The Working Boat. Over in St Agnes, Driftwood Spars is another pub with brewing firmly woven into its character.

The Cornish beer scene is constantly changing, which is part of the fun. New beers appear, breweries experiment and there always seems to be another taproom or pub to discover. If you enjoy your beer, there is plenty here to keep you exploring.