Driftwood Spars

Adjacent to the South West Coastal Path in the stunning Trevaunance Cove, this family-run pub occupies a 300-year-old tin miners' store, chandlery and sail loft, complete with its own smugglers' tunnel; it takes its name from spars salvaged from nearby shipwrecks. Around here the ancient Celtic landscape of dramatic cliffs, crashing surf, small fields and moorland abounds with legend and intrigue; in spring, watch for the Giant Bolster who rears his head in search of the lovely maid St Agnes. Altogether this award-winning establishment comprises 15 bedrooms (some with stunning sea views); a dining room with sea view; two beer gardens; three bars sparkling with real fires, old brass and lanterns; a micro-brewery; and a shop. Among the seven hand-pulled real ales are some of the 11 quality beers brewed on site, including the award-winning Alfie's Revenge, alongside guests, a 35-bin wine list, 35 malts and an impressive selection of 'alcoholic curiosities'. On the menu, seafood figures strongly in dishes such as beer-battered 'catch of the day' with crushed peas, fries and home-made tartare sauce, or trawlerman's fish pie with buttered greens. Other dishes range from pub classics such as pan-fried whitebait followed by a 'gourmet' beefburger with organic leaf salad, to international favourites including fresh egg tagliatelle with fricassée of forest mushrooms; Thai green chicken curry with steamed basmati rice; and beef bourguignon with creamy mash and seasonal greens. The Sunday roast comes highly recommended. Tempting desserts might include saffron bread-and-butter pudding with vanilla bean ice cream or warm traditional treacle tart with Cornish clotted cream. There is a mini beer festival mid-March and on May Day Bank Holiday weekend. Booking for meals may be required.