The Cornwall Blog

Charlestown harbour It was so nice over December, having a visit from my brother, we had some great sibling time exploring some favourite haunts, and pursuing his passions. A great lover of good coffee and beer I thought the best thing to do would be to take him on a tour of some fine local establishments, and in-between the showers enjoy some wonderful views. Having grown up in Cornwall my brother is no stranger to these parts but these days it's a modern metropolis that he calls home, well Coventry actually, up country. Trips down here are rare but thoroughly enjoyed by us all so I was glad to be able to hang out with my kid brother and catch up.  The first opportunity we had together was a soggy and rather cold Saturday, he's not a great early riser so my first thought was coffee. We headed to Charlestown and managed to squeeze in to Short and Strong where my brother thoroughly enjoyed a V60 pour over and I had a vegan hot chocolate with a hazelnut syrup (basically like a li...

When thinking about what to bring you this month from the jewel that is Cornwall I settled on beer. We have a community of great brands growing in reputation and influence. You see my brother works for the much adored Beer Gonzo in Coventry and when he comes home I like to show him the new beers I might have found and the best places to drink them. Often, I must confess, initially choosing them (being a graphic designer) based on my love of packaging! Together we have found that Cornwall has plenty to offer the discerning palette. Here are some of the best brews to sample, views to enjoy as you drink and tours to embark on.  First up breweries, this is an ever growing list, but top has to be Verdant in Penryn. Going now since 2014 this independent is making a name for itself. Strong flavours packed with interest, one to recommend.  Perhaps the most well known breweries in our neck of the woods are Sharp's , St Austell and Skinners (recently rescued by Goodh Brewing co). Sh...

St Austell Brewery are hosting their 18th annual Celtic Beer Festival in the depths of their ancient cellars. There will be almost 200 beers to sample, along with favourites Tribute, Proper Job and Korev. Live bands will be playing day and night and 100% of the profit goes to the breweries charities in the South West. Taking place on November the 26th it proves to be a must for beer lovers out there. The brewery itself was founded in 1851 by Cornishman Walter Hicks, and the company is still family owned and independent. According to their website - and it is changing all the time - they have produced 981,792,168 pints since 1851! Find out more about the festival here.