In 2022 Cornwall Kernow’s annual and popular ‘Twixmas’ event was held on Thursday 29th December. In advance of our scheduled meeting time, many members and friends chose to visit the newly refurbished Falmouth Wetherspoon pub the Packet Station.

This pub was officially re-opened on Tuesday 20th December 2022, after extensive alterations to include a roof terrace and a lift to the first and second floors. Although members congregated on the ground floor, the roof terrace has been designed to include different seating areas, some with a Mediterranean feel and I am sure this space will be very popular once the warmer weather arrives!

In contrast to this newly opened venue, members and friends walked down the road to the very traditional Seven Stars.

Here we gathered around the table near the fireplace and sampled from a range of eight beers mainly from Cornish breweries all served on gravity. As you can see from the photos we certainly filled this bar!

In smaller groups we walked into Market Street and Bells Court to visit the Beerwolf Books. We ascended the staircase to this real ale mecca and bookshop. Here the ping pong table was set up for those seeking a physical challenge and we sat in small groups as the venue was busy with groups of friends enjoying quality time between Christmas and New Year.

Our next venue was the ‘Front. Although this pub was also busy, we managed to find seats at the top end of the bar. There is usually a good range of both local and regional beers available here and it did not disappoint on our visit. Many members were particularly pleased to see three dark beers available. Stout Brummie an Oatmeal Stout from Birmingham Brewing Company was certainly one of my favourites. It was also lovely to have members from Surrey Hants Borders Branch and the Cardiff Branch join us.

From here we left the main thoroughfare and headed up the hill to the Oddfellows Arms. This compact pub is always very well decorated for the festive period with thousands of fairy lights. It certainly adds to the festive cheer!

With the light fading we climbed further to the Seaview Inn. The views from this large pub overlooking the town are fantastic and this pub usually serves up to three real ales.

Leaving the Seaview Inn, we walked along the terrace to the famous ‘Jacob’s Ladder’. Reported to be 111 steps, these are well lit at night by down lights beneath the hand rail. All members agreed that they were able to descend to The Moor via this route. Other routes are available of course!

Our final destination was the Moth & Moon on Killigrew Street. This venue always serves its beer in top quality and up to four real ales are available.

Our circular route had brought us back to The Moor and the bus terminal as many of the group had travelled by bus.

Those travelling by train returned to Penmere Station for the branch line services to Truro.

We all agreed that Falmouth has a fantastic range of pubs: big and small; modern and traditional. If you missed this event and would like to join us look out for the ‘Falmouth Real Ale, Beer and Cider Trails’ happening in various venues between Wednesday 25th January to Tuesday 31st January 2023. Leaflets will be in the participating venue shortly before the event and it will also be available as a PDF to download from our website. See you at the end of the month!

Words by Jan Curtis

Photos by Steve Barber