From the very large to tiny micro breweries, Cornwall has a rich history of beer production and has become increasingly well known throughout the UK and can even be found in major supermarkets. We all know that trying the local brew is all part of the holiday experience, so here’s a list of the well known and lesser well known (but equally brilliant) breweries which can be found in Cornwall.
Atlantic Brewery
Based in an 18th century farmhouse just a few miles from the north Cornish coast near Newquay, this brewery creates organic, vegetarian beers and cask ales. They produce 6 craft beers – Atlantic Red. Atlantic Blue, Atlantic Gold, Fistral, Pilgrim and Azores.
01637 880 326 | www.atlanticbrewery.com
Skinners Brewery
Founded in 1997, Skinner’s are located on the banks of the Truro River. With too many beers to list, Skinner’s is one of the bigger breweries in Cornwall with the infamous ‘Betty Stoggs’ and ‘Cornish Knocker’ probably the most well known. You can visit the brewery and take a look around - there are daily brewery tasting tours (excluding Sundays) whilst an exclusive, three hour tour can be booked on request.
Newham Rd, Truro TR1 2DP | 01872 271 885 | www.skinnersbrewery.com
Verdant Brewing Co
This small batch brewery, set up by three men who wanted to drink beers they like, is based in Falmouth and they have a small shop for buying beer. Alternatively, you can sample their beers in Beerwolf and Hand Bar in town. They have great names – we love ‘Even Sharks Need Water’!
6, Tregoniggie Industrial Estate, Tresidder Cl, Falmouth TR11 4SP | 01326 619 117 | www.verdentbrewing.co
The Blue Anchor Inn
This great pub and brewery holds a special place in our hearts, being located just across the road from our HQ. Dating back to the 15th century when it was a monk’s rest house that brewed strong, honey-based mead, it’s one of Britain’s oldest inns with a working brewery. Spingo is what’s brewed today, and you can pop in and enjoy a pint on site (and enjoy the incredible atmosphere), or buy bottles to take away with you.
50 Coinagehall St, Helston TR13 8EL | 01326 562 821 | www.spingoales.com
Keltek Brewery
Originally started from a stable on the Roseland Peninsula, Keltek Brewery soon grew and moved to Redruth where in 2013 became only the second brewery in Cornwall to own its own estate of public houses. The hand-brewed ales are named in celebration of King Arthur, and you can visit their shop.
Unit 44, Cardew Way, Redruth TR15 1SS | 01209 313 620 | www.keltekbrewery.co.uk
Sharps Brewery
Started up in Rock in 1994, Sharp’s is amongst the biggest breweries in Cornwall, being sold in major supermarkets across the UK such as Doom Bar, Atlantic and Sea Fury. You’ll probably find at least one of their beers in any of the pubs and inns across the county. They do have their own pub – The Mariner’s Public House in Rock – possibly one of the chicest around with food served by famous chef Nathan Outlaw.
The Mariner’s Public House, Rock, PL27 6LD | 01208 881 183 | www.nathan-outlaw.com/mariners-rock or www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk
Cornish Chough Brewery
The most sourtherly brewery in mainland UK, this little beer producer is named after Cornwall’s much-loved bird and is located on The Lizard. Water for the beer is drawn from a bore hole cut through Serpentine rock and is used to create five main beers – Cadgwith Crabber, Fire Raven. Kynance Blonde, Serpentine and Storm. If you want to visit, it’s by appointment only.
Trethvas Farm, The Lizard, Cornwall, TR12 7AR | 01326 290 908 | www.choughbrewery.com
The Rebel Brewing Co
Producing five top quality ales from light IPAs to chocolate stout, this award-winning brewery likes to experiment with different ingredients and can even create personalised beers for special occasions. Tours can be arranged by appointment, and include a pint and pasty – perfect!
Century House, Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, TR10 9EP | 01326 379 362 | www.rebelbrewing.co.uk
St Austell Brewery
Probably the biggest brewery in Cornwall, this even has its own visitor centre where you can go on a Visitor Experience Tour which goes into the history and heritage of the brewery, with samples of course! Afterwards, you can visit Hicks Bar (open Monday to Saturday) for pub grub and of course a pint.
St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre, 63 Trevarthian Rd, St Austell PL25 4BY | 01726 66022 | www.staustellbreweryvisitorcentre.co.uk
Driftwood Spars Brewery
Tucked away in Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes, this great brewery is part of the Driftwood Spars pub and has incredible sea views. The multi award-winning brewery has a great selection of beers and best sampled overlooking the sea! They offer a ‘Brew Day Experience’ where you can learn what it’s like to be a brewer for the day, or alternatively you can take a tour followed by a tasting session in the pub.
Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes 01872 552 591 | www.driftwoodsparsbrewery.com
Lizard Ales
This tiny micro brewery produces just three beers and is based, as the name suggests, on The Lizard. Located in a former RAF nuclear bunker constructed in the 1950s, this brewery doesn’t offer tours but you can purchase beers directly from them if you give them a call in advance. You can find their beers mainly in pubs and inns in the west of Cornwall.
The Nuclear Bunker, Pednavounder, Coverack, Helston TR12 6SE | www.lizardales.co.uk
Feeling thirsty? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Cornwall here.
