Proper Pubs to Visit in St Ives
An old seaside town like St Ives is bound to have its share of proper pubs. We love popping into a traditional inn for a pint or some delicious pub grub and there is a great choice of hostelries in our local town.
A pub is subtly different from a bar – generally older, cosier and a place you go to chat rather than party. There are also some wonderfully family-friendly pubs in St Ives, which serve well-cooked traditional meals as well as pints of Cornish ale. Whether you are after a cosy corner or want to listen to live music, here are our favourite proper pubs in St Ives.
The Sloop: A Proper Old Inn
The Sloop Inn, The Wharf
It would not be a trip to St Ives without a pint at the Sloop. This iconic Sloop Inn dates back to the fourteenth century, making it the town’s oldest pub, and it is also one of the best-loved spots in Cornwall. While the Sloop has expanded and modernised over the last few years (check out the lovely Upper Deck terrace restaurant), the heart of the old inn remains.
The low-ceiled main bar and restaurant area has a real old world atmosphere, with plenty of polished wood, historic prints and cosy corners. They serve a wide choice of local ales and ciders, plus other drinks and there is always fresh seafood on the hearty bar menu. It is also one of our favourite places in St Ives for breakfast! Try to catch one of the live music evenings, especially if the Sloop’s own legendary Bob Love is playing. On a warm summer evening, sit on a bench on the Sloop’s cobbled forecourt while the sun goes down and the lamps come on.
For more details, take a look at the Sloop Inn’s website.
The Union: Live Music
Speaking of musicians in St Ives, the Union Inn is one of the best live music spots in town. It is set back from the harbour on bustling Fore Street, where its black-and-white, hanging basket-festooned front immediately identifies it as a proper, traditional pub. Inside, it is cosy and welcoming, with beamed ceilings and an open fire in the winter.
The menu is traditional pub food, cooked well. Look out for specials made from local ingredients and freshly landed fish, and it’s a popular spot for a family Sunday lunch. The friendly staff make sure that four-pawed diners feel welcome too, so you can add the Union to your list of dog-friendly pubs in St Ives. Look out for their busy live music programme – order a pint of Doom Bar or Rattler and settle down to enjoy the performance.
To find out more about the Union Inn and its live music events, follow them on Facebook.
The Lifeboat: A Family-friendly Pub
Always busy but always welcoming, The Lifeboat Inn on Wharf Road is a must-visit pub. It combines traditional pub cosiness with excellent views of the harbour. Try to book a table at one of the window seats, where you can watch the world go by while enjoying local food and a pint of Proper Job. In the winter, the open fire is as much of a lure as the food and drink. Kids and dogs are more than welcome and it is a friendly place to come if you enjoy watching sports with fellow fans.
St Austell is the largest brewery in Cornwall with over 180 pubs across the county. Founded in 1851, it is also Cornwall’s oldest brewery (we recommend a St Austell brewery tour during your Cornwall holiday). We love a St Austell pub, because while each establishment has its own character, you know you will always get good beer, hearty food and friendly staff. The Lifeboat is no exception, and it’s one of our favourite pubs for a relaxed family meal out.
Find out more at The Lifeboat Inn.
The “Staying Inn”
Sometimes it’s just as nice to enjoy a real ale of chilled glass of Korev at home – especially if you are staying in one of our luxury holiday cottages! If you are on holiday in Cornwall with young kids and the dogs, it can feel more relaxing to enjoy some evenings at home. Wait until everyone is asleep, light the outdoor lantern, then sit back on your own private balcony or terrace – and breathe.
When you are in town, call into Johns beers, wines and spirits shop where you will find all sorts of local drinks, including their very own Crusty Juggler rum. The shop is run by brothers Sam and Tom, the great great grandchildren of founder Elizabeth Johns. Pick up some nibbles in The Cornish Deli, and you have the perfect evening planned.
We have a wide choice of premium holiday homes in St Ives, many with sea views for that memorable sun-downer. If you are staying in town, you are never far from a good St Ives pub or bar, all within walking distance. Yeghes dha!
The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant
Mermaid Seafood Restaurant, Fish Street, Saint Ives, UK