On 31 January 2026, it was not raining. In fact, we had blue skies and sun for the Cornwall Branch social to four pubs in the west of Cornwall.

Our first stop was the newly reopened Star Inn at Crowlas, which had been closed since February 2024 following the sad passing of Pete Elvin. The unusual red brickwork has always made the Star stand out on the A30 which passes in front of the pub. The paintwork has been spruced up outside in bright red and the new sign proclaims “The home of PZ Brewery”, just for those visitors who don’t know.

The interior has been redecorated with the relocation of many of Pete’s pump clips but much the same as we remember it. The bar entrance door has been moved to the right through the wall where the dartboard used to be. The beer menu board is still there, clocking up the number of different real ales sold since Pete took the pub in 1999. The current count was 2469 at our visit. Two of the three banks of four gleaming handpumps are still there.

We were welcomed by licensees Paul and Jane Badcock and staff. CAMRA National Champion Beer of Britain, Penzance Mild, brewed on site, was frustratingly sold out and Scilly Stout was tantalisingly “ere drekley”. Ding Dong (a tin mine in the Penwith Hills in case you were wondering) was also “ere soon!” Oh well, we were more than satisfied with four other Penzance beers – Crowlas Amber, Thro’ the Rye, Seven Stones and Potion No9.

The dining room has been brought back to its proper use as food is now available. CAMRA has had many tasting panel training meetings in there. Pete could fit 24 of us in at a squeeze!

We did our best to get through the beers, which were excellent as expected before heading out to the bus stop, dodging showers, for the short hop to the Mexico Inn in Longrock.

This stone building on the former A30 was a hub of lunchtime activity at our visit. It was packed with people of all ages eating, drinking and talking. So much so that we had to retreat to the large shelter out the back. Good to see a pub so well used. There were three handpumps, one with Firebrand Patchwork Rocket which most of us had, and another beer that soon finished before I had a chance to see what it was!

Our next port of call was the Crown in Penzance. A welcome return to this local’s pub in the Victorian part of the town near the main street and station. Looking at the photos, we virtually took over the bar! A convivial time was had by all, drinking Cornish Crown Causeway, Porter and Special Pale Ale. Yum!

Finally, it was time to make our way up to Causewayhead as dusk approached to the old Farmer’s Arms. We were welcomed by a real open wood fire, just right for January. On the bar were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Sharp’s Sea Fury and Fuller’s Hophead.

Eventually, the happy bunnies made their way down to the station and home. Another successful Cornwall CAMRA social. Thanks for organising, Steve, and Happy Birthday!

Cheers, Steve Barber

Lostwithiel is an exceptional place for several reasons. Founded not long after the Norman Conquest, it was built by the lords of nearby Restormel Castle and became the capital of Cornwall in the 13th century. Today it still contains several historic buildings and the pack-horse bridge over the River Fowey at its tidal limit. The Fowey was mighty full due to the wet weather up on Bodmin Moor and was threatening to flood low-lying land by its banks.

Lostwithiel is one of the Stannary Towns in Cornwall and was the scene of an important battle between the Roundheads and Cavaliers in 1644 (the Cavaliers won). An unusual fact of Lostwithiel is the coincidence of the St Michael and St Mary currents, or ley lines, at the church which itself contains some intriguing features. These currents course from near Land's End all the way to the Norfolk coast. St Michael runs along the road over the bridge and past the Globe Inn while St Mary goes right through the King's Arms and runs across the railway station by the scaffolding footbridge.

Members of Cornwall Branch converged on the Royal Oak in Duke Street on Saturday 6 December 2025 to enjoy our CAMRA Christmas Lunch, which has become a regular event in recent years. Thanks to Roger Webster for organising it.

The owners Graham and Simon put on two extra beers for our delectation in addition to the regular Sharp’s Doom Bar, Sea Fury, and St Austell Proper Job. The two beers were both from the local Castle Brewery in Lostwithiel, Daymark, a 5.1% red ale on handpump, and Du Fowen, a 4.5% chocolate stout with light smokiness served as live beer in bottle.

In the restaurant, we enjoyed an excellent two or three-course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. Didn’t we have a good time!

Acting Branch Chairman Dave makes a Christmas speech.

After the meal, we retired to the bar for another pint and a chat.

Three cheers for Graham, Simon and staff, including those in the kitchen unseen!

After leaving the Royal Oak, several members took up the invitation from Andy and Nicky, the owners of Castle Brewery, to call in for a pint at the brewery tap, called the Flow and Tracks. This unusual bar, which is near the brewery but not in it, comprises a shipping container on the banks of the river that has been nicely fitted out as a nano-pub with bar, plus seating under a pergola and even a warming patio heater.

Care was needed to be taken when leaving the Tap not to walk straight on in the dark into the river, leading to an unscheduled visit to Fowey or even Davy Jones’ Locker.

Thanks again Roger for organising a jolly day out. We look forward to next year!

Cheers, Steve Barber

On Friday evening 21 November, before the big day on Saturday, St Austell Brewery ran a quiet evening for customers after the trade session. Quite a few Cornwall CAMRA members took advantage of this and tried a variety of the 56 or so cask beers on the top bar and music bar, which included non-Celtic-country breweries this year.

Brewing Director George Young gave a speech to explain that the festival was in support of the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust which supports individuals and good causes.

She then proudly brandished the cup awarded to St Austell Brewery by CAMRA for winning Champion Bottled Beer of Britain in 2025 for Proper Job, 5.5% ABV.

Not bad out of over 2000 bottle-conditioned (live beer) ales across the whole UK. Something to be very proud of.

Each successive winner is engraved on the base.

After the speech, we got on with the serious business of drinking the beer, discussing the beer and doing a few tastings for next year’s competition.

Cheers, Steve Barber

The winner of Cornwall CAMRA’s summer Pub of the Season is the wonderful ‘Front at Custom House Quay in the real ale capital of Cornwall.

Decorated as a cellar, literally built underneath a handy fish and chip shop, the ‘Front, abbreviated originally from the Waterfront, is welcoming to all ages of locals, visitors and boat enthusiasts. What better place to sit outside on a summer’s day with good ale in hand watching the maritime world go by!

“Pinty” points the way!

An impressive row of handpumps line the bar offering a changing range of real ales of all possible styles, including luscious dark and strong beers. Yum!

We were at the ‘Front on Saturday 8 November to present our well-deserved award of Pub of the Season, Summer 2025.

The certificate and compliments were presented by Cornwall CAMRA Pub Promotions & Awards Coordinator Dave Pedlar.

We had a good turnout of members from as far as Exeter in the east to St Just in the west, reflecting the popularity of this flagship pub. A good time was had by all.

Cheers, Steve Barber

It is with great sadness that I need to inform everyone that our long-serving member Douglas “Dugg” Polman passed away on Sunday 12th October following a long battle with cancer. Dugg played a pivotal role in the success of the Cornwall Branch for over 30 years. During this time Dugg carried out many roles including Branch Social Secretary, Festival Caterer, Festival Entertainments Officer, Festival Chairman, Deputy Branch Chairman, Branch Chairman and more recently Newsletter Editor and, once again, Beer Festival Organiser.

He was also BLO for several breweries in the last 25 years including Paradise, Cornish Chough, Blue Anchor, Cornish Crown, Lizard Ales and Shoals. Dugg was also a member of Cornwall Tasting Panel for more than 20 years. The Branch extends our deepest condolences to Duggs’ family and friends. A celebration of Dugg’s life will be held at Penmount Crematorium on Thursday 30th October at 12.00 noon. Dugg’s wish was that people attending are to celebrate his life and not mourn so no black is to be worn please but plenty of bright colours. Following the service you are invited to the Old Ale House in Truro to raise a few pints of real ale in his honour and share memories in celebration of Dugg’s life.

Please can any members who wish to attend let us know as we have been requested to forward estimated numbers to allow Dugg’s family make the necessary arrangements.