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