7 Great Pubs and Bars to Visit in St Ives
Looking for somewhere to relax with a drink during your St Ives holiday? Here at Cornish Escapes, we have a good working knowledge of the local pubs, and we have put together a list of our favourite spots. From sundowners with a view to the best places for a local brew, here’s the Cornish Escapes guide to some great pubs and bars in St Ives.
Seven Bar
For cocktails, head straight to Seven Bar, where Kai, the American mixologist, works his magic with ingredients from all over the world. Work your way through their seven signature cocktails (best enjoyed over the course of your holiday rather than a single visit…), or for a special occasion, treat yourselves to their divine champagne cocktails. Whatever you’re drinking, the spectacular view across Harbour Beach always adds to the mix.

Hub St Ives
The much-loved Hub on Wharf Road overlooks the harbour from its balcony and glass-fronted rooms, and it’s a top choice for a drink with a view. Enjoy a chilled draught or bottled beer, straight from the beach, accompanied by a pile of dirty fries or nachos. Come back in the evening for cocktails and a lively vibe. For the non-drinkers and designated drivers, the Hub’s selection of fresh lemonades and coolers is the best in town.

The Sloop & Upper Deck
It’s not a holiday in St Ives without at least one visit to The Sloop. On a dry day, you can follow the sound of chat and laughter to this iconic old pub, because the harbourside outdoor tables are always buzzing on a sunny day. There’s also a modern terrace bar upstairs (grown-ups only). However, make sure you don’t bypass the snug medieval interior, where you can pick up a pint of Proper Job or Rattler. Hungry? Tuck into pub grub, pizzas and local seafood.

Host
You’ll find Host housed in a former Nat West bank on the corner of Tregenna Hill. The luxurious decor complements the Victorian architecture, and it’s a wonderfully opulent-feeling place for an evening drink. Come here for cocktails, craft beers and a good selection of wines – and stay for the woodfired pizzas and small plates menu. If you want to settle down for an evening of conversation with good friends, this is the perfect place.

Balcony Bar
Balcony is a popular spot among locals and visitors, with a great location on The Wharf. It’s a brilliant place for a hearty breakfast as well as evening drinks, and the main menu is served from 12:00 until late. Their large range of drinks includes St Ives’ own Porthia Gin and St Ives Island Rum, plus an enticing cocktail menu. If you’re in town during a sporting event, Balcony Bar is the place to come to watch it.

The Queens
The Queens is a cosy and comfortable pub, which is managed by Cornwall’s famous St Austell Brewery. You’ll find the hotel set back from the harbour and seafront on St Ives’ High Street, housed in an elegant old townhouse. There’s always a good choice of St Austell brews on tap, as well as an extensive wine list. They serve a varied menu of pub classics and pizzas at lunchtime and again from five. Other St Austell pubs in St Ives include the Pedn Olva above Porthminster Beach (the views are amazing) and the bustling Lifeboat Inn on Wharf Road.

Talay Thai Cocktail Lounge
This friendly restaurant is a firm favourite for its authentic Thai food and friendly service. As well as its upstairs restaurant, Talay Thai also has a cocktail lounge on the ground floor. If you’re dining here, arrive early as an excuse to wait downstairs! However, you can come here just to enjoy a drink (look out for happy hour between 3 and 5 pm every day). They serve a great choice of cocktails and mocktails – try the rum-based Talay Spritz.

Luxurious holiday cottages in St Ives
After a cocktail by the beach or a pint of Korev in a cosy pub, it’s lovely to be able to stroll back to your holiday cottage. Here at Cornish Escapes, we have a collection of luxury holiday cottages and apartments in the heart of St Ives – which pub or bar will become your holiday “local”?
The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant
Mermaid Seafood Restaurant, Fish Street, Saint Ives, UK