Here in Cornwall, we love a good pub! We’re extremely lucky to have so many great and iconic pubs right on our doorstep, from tiny village locals to waterside gems and beach bars serving the perfect sunset pint.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional Sunday lunch, somewhere cosy for a winter evening, or simply a beautiful spot for a drink with a view, Cornwall really does have it all.

Here are a few of our favourite local pubs that we think are well worth a visit.

The Royal Oak, Perranwell Station

Based in our neighbouring village of Perranwell Station, The Royal Oak is a proper little local right in the heart of the village.

It has a medium-sized car park, a cosy and traditional pub interior and, more recently, a beautiful newly refurbished outdoor patio area. On a sunny day, sitting out here can almost make you feel as though you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean!

Inside, you’ll find a fantastic menu offering traditional pub favourites alongside daily specials. It’s a small village pub with limited indoor seating, so booking is advisable if you’re planning to eat — but it’s well worth it.

The newly created outdoor area also features a fantastic pizza oven, which is a brilliant addition for those times when you fancy something a little more casual to nibble on while enjoying a social drink.

Our tip: On a warm summer evening, grab a table outside and enjoy the relaxed village atmosphere.

The Punchbowl & Ladle, Feock

A beautiful traditional thatched pub in the lovely village of Feock, The Punchbowl & Ladle manages to be spacious while still retaining plenty of character and charm.

There’s a large car park, indoor and outdoor seating, and plenty of options whether you’re joining for dinner, stopping for a drink or simply looking somewhere comfortable to relax.

There’s even a games room and two private dining spaces, making it a great choice for larger groups and special occasions.

As part of St Austell Brewery, you can expect a great selection of beers, while the menu is carefully curated using local produce. Most importantly, you can always expect that warm and friendly Cornish welcome.

Our tip: This is a particularly good choice if you’re looking for somewhere that can cater for a group, with plenty of different spaces to enjoy.

Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek

The Pandora Inn is one of those places that feels almost too beautiful to be real — and it’s undoubtedly one of Cornwall’s iconic pub destinations.

This stunning thatched pub sits right on the water’s edge, with a pontoon stretching out from the car park and lined with picnic benches. You can arrive by car, although the car park can get extremely busy, or make a memorable entrance by boat and tie up at the pontoon.

Serving all the flavours you’d hope to find in a traditional Cornish pub, but what really sets it apart is the setting.

With the water gently lapping beside you and boats coming and going, it’s hard to imagine a better place to enjoy a leisurely drink or meal.

Our tip: Arrive early on a sunny day if you’re driving, as this popular spot can get very busy.

Blue Bar, Porthtowan

Right on the beach at Porthtowan, Blue Bar is perhaps more beach bar than traditional pub — but that certainly doesn’t stop it from making our list!

It’s one of the best places around for a sunset pint, with a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and plenty of holiday vibes. Even as locals, popping down here after work on a summer evening can make you feel like you’re on holiday.

The food is just as tempting, with treats including the famous Blue Burger, loaded nachos and homemade cakes.

There’s limited free parking nearby, with a larger pay-and-display car park just a few metres away.

Our tip: Time your visit for sunset. Grab a drink, something tasty to eat and watch the sun disappear over Porthtowan Beach.

The Chain Locker, Falmouth

For a proper old-school seaside pub atmosphere, head to The Chain Locker in Falmouth.

This is a real seadogs’ pub, with flagstone floors and plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the water towards Flushing and the mouth of the River Fal.

There are plenty of food options available throughout the day, and there’s even the option to order online from your table — perfect if you don’t fancy making the trip to the bar!

The pub can get very busy, particularly at popular times, so booking is advisable if you’re hoping to secure a table for dinner.

Parking immediately next to the pub on the quay is very limited, but being in Falmouth means there are several other parking options nearby. If you’re staying at Chycara, you could even leave the car behind and take the train from Perranwell Station, hopping off at Falmouth Town, which is only a short walk from the pub.

Our tip: If the weather is good, make the most of the outdoor seating and enjoy the views across the water.

The Ship Inn, Porthleven

Last but certainly not least is The Ship Inn, a classic Cornish pub in the beautiful fishing village of Porthleven.

Perched alongside the harbour wall, the pub enjoys wonderful views across the village and out towards the sea. There’s a terraced garden area, roadside benches and plenty of cosy corners inside, so there’s somewhere to suit every kind of pub visit.

In winter, this is exactly the sort of place you want to find yourself. The log fire roars away, filling the pub with warmth while the wild Atlantic seas crash outside and splash against the windows.

In summer, Porthleven becomes incredibly popular, and the village can get very busy. There isn’t dedicated parking for the pub itself, but there are several paid car parks around the village, all within a short walk. And while you’re there, you can make a day of it and explore everything else this lovely harbour village has to offer.

Our tip: Visit in winter for the full cosy Cornish pub experience, or come in summer and combine your pub stop with a wander around Porthleven.

A Few of Our Cornish Favourites

One of the things we love most about Cornwall is that no two pubs are quite the same. You can have a pizza overlooking a village, a pint beside the sea, dinner in a traditional thatched pub or arrive by boat at a waterside inn — all within a relatively short drive.

So whether you’re visiting Cornwall for the first time or, like us, lucky enough to call it home, these are a few places we think deserve a spot on your Cornish pub list.

Cheers to that!