Friday 7th April dawned a beautiful day and for CAMRA Kernow folk it was our ‘Multiple Hospitality Experience’ in the city of Truro.

Our meeting venue was the City Inn in Pydar Street, just beneath the railway viaduct. Here we assembled in the L-shaped traditional bar and sampled St Austell Brewery’s ‘Tribute’ ale. This pub has a lovely sunny courtyard garden and a few of us decided it was good to enjoy the sunny day.

From here we decided to try out the relatively new ‘Goodh’ craft beer bar. This venue in the Leats, tucked away behind Pydar Street, is worth seeking out. Here the selection of craft beers is vast and we all found a beer style to our tastes. The courtyard in front of the taproom was particularly sunny and we raised our glasses to Easter and the coming of Spring!

From here we strolled around the cathedral and made our way up Mitchell Hill to the Rising Sun. This bar had three ales to choose from: two on hand pulls and one available on gravity from the cellar. Although the front bar area is lovely, the sun again drew us to the courtyard area at the back of the pub. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and it was good to see the Landlord, Tom and to engage in conversation.

Back down the hill again we ventured to the Barley Sheaf in Old Bridge Street. This pub’s facade looked particularly stunning; the green tiled exterior was gleaming. Again this pub has a river garden area and conservatory and we choose to assemble in these fantastic spaces.

A short stroll then brought us to the White Hart. This pub was busy with its regular clientele, but we were lucky enough to find space in the front bar area and sample from the three ales available on the bar.

Finally we headed for the Old Ale House. A former drapers and milliners this imposing building was also looking impressive. This pub has been famous for its peanuts and ales for many years and did not disappoint us! Being very close to the city’s bus station this was an ideal last venue for those travelling home by bus.

An impromptu visit to the William IV in Kenwyn Street was made by those of us heading home by train!

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Truro. The sunshine added to our enjoyment, but company, chat and a good selection of ales in a variety of venues made the day! This Good Friday outing was so well attended and enjoyed that it has been suggested that we make this a regular event in the diary!

Word by Jan Curtis

Photos by Steve Barber and Jan Curtis