On Saturday 19 August 2023 members of Cornwall Branch converged on Par in mid-Cornwall for a branch business meeting. Most came by train, which was somewhat fraught by cancellations due to industrial action. We all got there, eventually.

The destination was the Royal Inn right next to the station. This pub, also known as the Par Royal, offers drinks, food and accommodation.

There were three beers on handpump for our delectation; Doom Bar from Sharp's, County Best from Exeter Brewery and, when we arrived, Darkness from Exeter Brewery. Unfortunately for me the Darkness ran out before I had bought one but Treen's Classic came on as the third beer so panic over. All the beers were in great form. One little mystery was why the Exeter pump clip showed a Cornish flag (black and white) rather than a Devon flag (green and white).

We had an enjoyable meeting which included voting on our Pub of the Season - Summer. Our Chair, Vince Curtis, will no doubt announce the winner after he has had a chance to inform the winning pub.

We were sad to learn that the Royal Inn is likely to close as a pub in late September.

Words and photos by Steve Barber