please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Friendly, quite busy, oozes character & history and traditionally shabby. In other words, a must-visit. Perhaps I shouldn''t have been so surprised but I thought my pint of Special was superb.
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Only ever tried the Spingo beers at festivals up 'til now, but finally managed to get to the Blue Anchor at last.
Loved the Middle - really nice to get it fresh and a wonderful pub. Could have happily drank here every night we were in Helston if I'd been allowed. Didn't get a chance to try the others on offer - next time.
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I have been told that Wspoons has just opened along the street.
This should be interesting, because the Blue Anchor has been living on its reputation for years .
Watch this space.
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Have been wanting to coming back here for years as Ive not had the chance on my last few visits down to Cornwall. Sadly, I found that the beers didn't quite hit the mark as they were a bit too yeasty and ester tasting and hazy. We had the IPA, Middle, Special and Jubilee, so for that taste to be found in all of them was like that was how they were intended to be as they still had a good sparkle to them and weren't flat. Having said that, this is a lovely pub with so many nooks and crannies and a beautiful interior.
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Much has been written about this place and it's undoubtedly worth a visit being a traditional pub which brews it's own beer and has loads of character and good outside space.
For us near Northerners however the beer didn't quite hit the spot being a little flat and warm for our tastes and the IPA a little sweet.
The Middle though was a nice drink and if served 2 degrees cooler with a creamy head would have been smashing!
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Still absolutely first rate! A mecca whenever we are in Cornwall. Spingo is delightful. Conversation is good. Lack of muzak and children is wonderful. Atmosphere ecellent.
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Bloody well should have come in here 1st instead of last while I was in Helston. Only had time for one. Must come back one day.
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went in while on holiday in cornwall for a least the tenth time not been in for 2 years and notice 2 new beers bens stout and wnk beer did not try the stout but the wnk beer was great.i never been to helston at christmas or easter i have never tried extra special but this time had bottles of extra special.try it and it was brillant even it was only a bottle and not draught .still my favourite pub in the world and only 1 with a 10 in my ratings
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At least it's back in the 2012 GBG!
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Really amazing,not in 2011 Good Beer Guide.What have they done wrong?
Oldandmild
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What a find! Deceptively spacious, it just goes on and on. Loved the little alcove rooms. Had a pint of middle, which went down well. Recommended to seek out.
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An excellent pub, many a happy holiday spent in it. Good quality strong beers, just what you need on a sunny afternoon
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Occupying a central position in the centre of Helston is The Blue Anchor, a well-known home brew pub.
It's immediately noticeable for its striking, thatched cottage style appearance, somewhat out of kilter with nearby buildings. Originally a monks home, it became a local ale house soon after and began brewing its own beer in the 15th century.
A central flagstoned corridor has two characterful, low ceilinged, unspoilt bars on the right hand side. The first room is the main bar and is basic, but traditional with stone floors, wooden furniture, ( including settles ), and plenty of interesting framed prints and photographs. A small framed print tells us that "the art of brewing beer was once widespread in The Duchy of Cornwall. At the beginning of the 17th Century, when the population of Helston was 300, there were 30 brewing ale houses here". Also of note is a listing of public executions in Cornwall between 1790 and 1862 which includes one for "setting fire to corn". In this room are displayed CAMRA awards for 25 and 30 consecutive years in the annual Good Beer Guide.
Further down the corridor is The Gun Room - a much smaller room with a splendid fireplace over which are a pair of impressive looking firearms.
There's a largish beer garden at the back. Part of this is covered and acts as a smokers marquee. A separate bar is here - not open on my visit - used when festivals are on. Also at the back are the outside toilets and the brewing house. There's B & B available in a connected building next door
On the left of the corridor are 3 additional basic rooms providing additional seating. The first of these is designated as a children's room. In one of the other rooms is a framed poster depicting the Helston Railway Centenary ( 1887 - 1987 ) . It was whilst sitting in one of these rooms that I was accosted by a strange, oddly dressed woman - I think we used to call them "hippies" when I was a kid - who politely enquired as to whether I was here for the beginners Cornish Language class. She seemed somewhat disappointed when I responded in the negative.
As a reflection of its fame and popularity as a "destination" pub, various items such as Blue Anchor branded T shirts, sweat shirts, fleeces etc are for sale.
Dotted around the pub were a number of flyers advertising a Monday quiz night starting on 20 September - "Test Your Nollegge" - ( as spelt ), which I presume is an attempt at local Cornish humour.
On the beer front, beers on were Jubilee, Middle, Braggett and Special at gravities of 4.5%, 5%, 6%, and 6.6% respectively. Both beers sampled by me - Jubilee and Middle ( which is described as the most popular beer ) at prices of � 2.60p and � 2.70p respectively - were pleasant pints, but, on two consecutive evening visits, both beers seemed rather thin for their advertised gravities. I'm probably going to be crucified for saying this, but, in my opinion, neither the Jubilee nor the Middle had the distinctiveness of ( say) Skinners Cornish Knocker ( as tasted in The Seven Stars, Falmouth ) or St Austell's Proper Job ( as tasted in The Mill in the Exe, Exeter or The Masons Arms, Falmouth ), both pubs that I had visited several days previously. Perhaps I should have gone for the bottled Spingo, as many other obvious non-regulars to the pub were doing. Interestingly, in 2010, the pub lost its 100% record in CAMRA Good Beer Guides since inception.
In summary, yes, I like the pub immensely and I'd definitely return, but, based on my two visits, there's better beers to be found in Cornwall without too much difficulty.
Finally, you'll all be no doubt pleased to hear that there seems to be a taxi rank outside the pub, so if you get spingo'd and can't find ( or be bothered to stagger ) back home, help is readily at hand.
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A bit of a mixed feel about this one. I've always wanted to visit, but did not feel comfortable for some reason. Not sure why; wasn't the people or the beer. Very intersting historic interior. Ale was well kept although strong. On the recommendation of the locals tried a couple of 'half and halfs'; half of 'Middle' and half of 'Special'. Very nice. Would definitely recommend a visit as i'm sure my thoughts/feelings would not extend to everyone!
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Deserves its good reputation - almost everyone seems to drink the in-house brews with the Guiness and single lager very much an afterthought, and rightly so. Nice historic interior and a decent beer garden as well.
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Went here last week and the Bragget, Middle and Special were spot on. Plenty of friendly locals and dogs in the bar, what a great place. I was a little worried about taking my visitors as I have read some less than flattering reviews in the past, but from my latest experience it just does not get better than this.
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Have been visiting this pub most years for the past 30-odd. Mercifully it has retained most of its old charm, and the brewed-on the-premises ale called Spingo is excellent, IMHO. Despite being re-decorated it manages to retain a pleasing run-down demeanour, and the only criticism I would bring to bear is that you can't get a decent Cornish Pasty there any more (but that seems to be general in Kurnow these days). It now has a fairly large garden,having extended itself next door, but the interior is very special. The number of eccentrics there seem to have dwindled - mostly passed on I expect!
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Visited last summer but only just got round to reviewing, so may be out of date! Absolutely unique beer and ancient pub. I thought the beer was fine but not absolutely tip-top; my friend didn't like it much (we both know our ale). Barman seemed to have had a few (at around noon), from his appearance this would be his usual condition, but he was friendly and knowledgeable. As well as ale, there was a real ginger beer which we were told was made by a local vicar - very nice, alcoholic (4 point something % IIRC), vastly superior to the dreadful sweet rubbish Crabbies are promoting. All in all, despite reservations re beer quality, very much a must-visit.
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Went here last week and the Bragget and Special were both excellent, fire was going also - nice. Always try to go in here when in Helston, great place.
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Took the opportunity to visit last Friday. Middle and Special on excellent form. IPA tasty but cloudy.
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I always have to get in this pub when I'm in Cornwall. Nipped in on Thursday, Middle top notch, great chat, this pub is drinking heaven. If ever you get a poor pint, say something, they will always sort it out no hassle. In an area where all the St Austell pubs serve the ale too cold through a sparkler The Blue Anchor shines bright as a beer lovers oasis.
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went in late september the special was great the middle was the worse pint of middle in 8 vists still a great pub but seems to be going downhill
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Aleandhearty: Its your opinion and it's not up to anyone else to give you "flak". You have to report as you see it. Personally, I have visited the BA 15 times in the last 2 or 3 years. Apart from one evening when the Middle was pretty dire, the other occasions have yielded nothing but good quality, well kept ale.
It is interesting to note that despite being in every Good Beer Guide since 1973 the Blue Anchor is NOT in the latest 2010 edition. Obviously Cornwall CAMRA is not as lenient as you suggest!
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sorry wrong month late october still cant wait
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holiday again in cornwall late semptember this time in st ives but will go in at least once if not more.best pub in the world cant wait
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Visited 12.8.09, whilst holidaying in Cornwall. The fact it was a �destination� visit, to a �holy grail� pub, contributed to our overall disappointment with the place.
I�m not even going to attempt to better �RogerB�s� description below of the interior , which indeed is truly wonderful. However, the quality of the beer must be commented on.
After glowing GBG write-ups and previous BITE comments, to say we were disappointed with the �Jubilee�, �Middle� and �Bragget� is an understatement. Quietly stunned is probably closer to the truth. Not even a case of lacking depth of flavour, but barely any flavour at all (apart from an overwhelming taste of honey in the Bragget). For beers of five and six percent to have a watery mouthfeel is unforgivable in my book. Maybe a duff batch for one beer, but all three? Certainly not lack of turnover, as the BA is too famous and was busy when we called.
Apparently, the Blue Anchor has been in every Good Beer Guide since 1973. I would suggest there has been some leniency, nay sentimentality, shown by the local CAMRA branch, on the basis of this visit.
I fully expect to get some flak for my comments. However, I speak as I find. A poor experience frankly.
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Recently stayed 5 nights at the B&B next door (cracking breakfasts) and spent every evening in the Blue Anchor. Beer was superb, clientele eclectic, and the atmosphere guaranteed.
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Very disappointing. The bar had 3 revolting people with their foul dogs all over the place. Loud mobile phone shouting matches ensued. Brilliant. On a warm, sunny day the garden was totally covered with a marquee full of smokers ignoring the "no smoking" sign.
Beer was good. Only one pint, of course.
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I am lucky enough to visit West Cornwall about 10 - 14 times a year and have to nip into The Blue Anchor for a "swift half" It is a "must drop in" pub, simply one of the best in the country.
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This is a real pub, warts and all. A good place to people watch
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Looked forward to visit this pub after having read about this historic place. And the building, decor, atmosphere, etc. was an interesting experience.
But I was a bit dissapointed wiht the ales; The "Bragget" and the "Special" were far too sweet for me (struggled from the middle of the pint and down), but the "Middle" was good.
A shame they do not serve food though, as there were only one "pub" in Helston town (Seven Stars) where you could order food, but SS didn't have much real ales on tap, only one when we were there.
We stayed at the Inn ("no. 52") for 5 days, and were very satisfied with the conditions; clean, good service, cooked breakfast and reasonably priced.
Would like to come back to both the pub and the accomodation.
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I cannot come to Cornwall and not call for my Spingo. I love the Special at 6%, and also enjoyed Middle and Braggett. Great place to stop off when changing buses for a quick one too. Will be back in Helston for the beer festival later this month, so another visit here is on the cards.
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the Blue Anchor does not now do food of any kind which is a shame as it used to be good, if a bit expensive.
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Great pub with true character in every aspect. From the outside it's a little thatched house that looks a little odd jammed in the middle of a main street in town. Going through the front door you enter a corridor with lots of little rooms off each side. The bar is through the doors to the right and serves good quality beer brewed on the premsises. Follow the corridor to the end and you come out in the beer garden at the back and the brewery is in a building in the beer garden. Friendly and knowledgable staff and a warm welcome from staff and locals alike. This is a real gem and a must visit if in the area.
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One of the country�s real treasures in the world of pubs, this thatched town centre brewpub has the claim of being the counties oldest brewery with a history going back some 600 years. Full of charm and character te moment you step through the front door into the central flagstoned corridor. The 2 main bars are to the right whilst on the left are 3 tiny and intimate snug bars that appear to be later additions within the pub framework. The front main bar is a delight with bare stone floors, settles, cosy window seat, antique table, and an upright piano. Next to the bar is a cosy little recess which I dare say is a popular spot at any time of the day. The walls contain plenty of of interesting photos and momentos including a list of public executions which includes 2 for an assault on the Blue Anchor landlord in 1790. Things aren�t quite as rowdy these days and the atmosphere is very welcoming with plenty of light hearted banter going on between the locals.
The smaller rear bar is dominated by the large fireplace with 2 built in seats and crowned by antique firearms. The fire itself packs out a heat and there cannot be many finer places to be on a cold winter night than sat at the barrel tables with a pint of the pubs own Spingo beer. A description of the various beers is on the wall next to the bar whilst a few reproduction posters advertise wrestling matches and warn against stealing oysters from the Helford River. As for the beers, you will most likely come across the middle (5% �2.50) which is the prominent brew. There is also Jubilee (4.5% (�2.40), Special (6.8% �3.30) and Bragget, a beer made with apple and honey with no hops, a recipe dating back to the brewery�s origins. I tried both the Middle and Special (very drinkable for such a strong beer) and you will be hard pushed to find 2 better ales anywhere. The Special is also brewed at additional strength for Christmas and Easter. For the non ale fans there are the usual suspects and even the tea and coffee are good value at 60p and 80p respectively.
At the rear (past the outside toilets) is abeer garden, now partly housed in a marquee where there is a separate open air bar, presumably used for functions, festivals etc. A set of steps leads up to the long brewhouse (the door was open so I had a peek in although I am sure the knowledgeable and enthusiastic landlord would happily show you around if the circumstances allowed it).
Sadly it is a 350 mile trip for me to visit and I get here on average every 10 years but this time I have taken home a few bottles of Spingo and will ensure I take the empties back at the first available opportunity.
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The definite 'must-do' pub on my holiday a few weeks back and I wasn't disappointed.
The pub is god-knows-how old and is a rustic and basic two-bar affair, with smaller (and colder!) drinking rooms to the left hand-side of the long main corridor of the main bars leading out to the rear toilets and large marquee.
The interior may be a bit of a shock for some - it's rather dark and a different world from the high street you've just stepped in from! There's no piped music or TV - just chat, time ticking (and maybe the piano if you're lucky). The locals are friendly enough and are used to beer tourists turning up, so say hello at the bar and you'll get a few words.
Try the brewed-on-site ales including the 6.8 Spingo (brewed 'a little heavier in the winter' I was informed - indeed the bottle I took away was well-over 7%!), sit back and relax - by the real fire in the back bar if you get extremely lucky as I did.
Surprisingly there was also food available - I had already eaten but Mrs Quinno went for the local fish trio and was very happy with what she received - so a thumbs-up there too.
It's been in every edition of the Good Beer Guide and long may that continue. A national treasure, hope it is listed!
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i keep finding myself drawn back to this lovely little pub.... i says little very loosely as it resmble the tardis inside, it goes on and on out the back with little pocket place to secrete youself away into for a peaceful pint of middle......truly lovely pub with all the character of days gone by!
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Have been trying to visit this pub since 1977,managed it last summer.
One of the best pubs i have been in,superb pub brewed spingo ales,great staff and locals,everything a pub should be.
Only problem i was driving,next time we will get b+b in Helston
G7SYY - 25 Jan 2009 21:14 |
Jonnysaint. I loved your comments �an ale pilgrimage of the highest order� Never really thought of it as a pilgrimage but yes I suppose it is.
It�s a pilgrimage to the Blue Anchor that I hope to make again sometime soon.
Not sure if the guy who served me was the guvnor or the barman but he was a right old character & pissed as a fart even at that time.
The blue anchor puts most pubs that I am forced to use into absolute shade.
The great thing I loved about this pub is that my missus dident like it � superb.!!!
It�s a shame that pubs like this are a dieing breed. Even some of the pubs in the City (of London) these days are nothing more than a home for chavs in suits.
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Found this place by chance whilst visiting Cornwall this summer -, what an amazing pub.
Walked in about midday on a monday looking for a spot of lunch before hitting the beach a few miles away. Couldent beleive what isaw in the main bar. Most of the locals happilly singing away in a state of drunkedness that you wouldent expect for a Monday lunchtime. After a few of those Spingo ale's i found myself joining in.
The misses & kids though were not impressed. I did beg & pleed for her to take the kids to the beach & pick me up in a few hour's time...alas she was having none of it.
I would rate this pub a 10 for the beer & general charactor. Shame i live 000's of miles away in some horrible essex town where the pubs are full of chavs.
Beer outstanding, locals weird, wonderful & in a constant state of drukeness (in a freindly way)
Without doubt, Britains best pub. Long may it continue
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what i forget to say in my stay in oct 25 till nov1 2008 i have stayed in the new yorker hotel 5 star in the maldives 5 star in arami watergate bangkok but i have better stay in than room 1 at 52 it is that good fab breakfast and next to b;ue anchor i just love this place special is strong but next year i want to try the extra special if you holday in cornwall and love real ale please tried
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The second time I've visited the Blue anchor. The Spingo special is an all time classic ale. Shame I wasn't there for the xmas special but something to look forward to next year as I'll definately be returning. Unspoilt, full of character, what a pub should be. Own brewery out back. Brilliant!
And it was never quiet or empty. Always people streaming in to test out the Spingo. I myself trvalled 220 miles for it. Another couple we met there had travelled 400. A local man told us how people travelled from Holland to visit!! No doubt people from further afield than that have made the pilgrimage too, because it is a pilgrimage. An ale prigrimage of the highest order and one of the top wonders of the ale world.
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Wow certainly interesting! its like a time warp, staff friendly brewery still going which is really nice, lunch was a bit basic.
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brillant stayed for a week in 52 did not have a bad pint all week still the best pub in england if not the world the bed and breakfast at 52 is has good as the blue anchor great breakfast brillant room i would say one of the best b and b in england plus next door to the blue anchor
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A bit late writing up, but we had a super time here working our way along the spingo pumps in July, and loved the 6.8% special. We too found the honey and apple a little strange, but always visit when in Cornwall. Brilliant place.
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best pub in england spingo are strong and not had a bad pint yet in 8 vists in 2004 stay in the blue anchor bed and breakfast which is next door huge breakfast and coffee served in huge coffee pot every time in cornwall make a trip to helston because the pub and beer is that good
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visited this pub on a south western pub crawl on thursday last week..they had 4 pumps on all saying spingo!!!but the blacboard behind pointed out the menu of beers..tried 3 all in good nick...the honey and apple one was a strange one but the 6.8% left me a bit wobbly...nice surroundings and lovely customers..a locals local..loved the r.i.p photographs were i was sitting..nice touch in this day and age to remember old customers who have passed on..keep up the good work with this pub...will defo come again.
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Paradise in a pint glass!!!
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Review in Saturdays Telegraph pint to pint column.
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Britains best pub.
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Spent a happy few hours here in 1984, the day before the Duchy Marathon. Unfortunately was too hungover to run! Never mind. The beer was worth it. Visited again in February (2008) - unchanged - amazing. Lovely beer, friendly staff and customers. Just don't drink the Extra Special if you're planNing to run a marathon the next day!
schaf - 26 Mar 2008 08:20 |
This is a homebrew pub or at least it was the last time I visited. Nice drop of Spingo. Luuuuverly
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Drinking heaven but need subtitles to get what the locals are saying. Can't wait to try the Winter beer at Christmas
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My missus and I spent 5 fabulous days in Cornwall and 5 fabulous nights in the Blue. As friendly as it is tradional with the "Middle" and the "Special" on great form. Got the tour of the brewery and its handcrafted, time-honoured approach to the magical craft which produces such wonderful beer. Highly recommended.... and, yes, we got Spingo'd again!!
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I got thoroughly "Spingoed" at the Birkenhead Beer Fest last Oct. Great brew. We are hoping to visit the Blue Anchor later this month for a few pints from the "source"!
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This is one of the all time Pubs to visit and it also The Oldest Home Brew Pub.
It Own Beers Go Under the Name Spingo.
If in the area it is must to Visit.
I was lucky enough to Sample some in The Red Lion Linkfield Road Iselworth This Year and the where as good as the Beers I sampled in The Blue Anchor Helston in 2003
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If you love friendly environment, people singing and good beer, this is the place to go.
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Excellent, unspoilt with great beer brewed on the premises. Their own spingo bee went down a treat. The t-shirt is also a must.
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wonderful pub, a good local and friendly to visitors. well worth going out of your way if you're anywhere in Cornwall. If only Spingo were a national brew.
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The Blue Anchor is what pubs were all about when I was a girl - good beer (a pint of Spingo will make you smile for hours) and good company. Try their bed and breakfast next door at No 52 Coinagehall Street and, for a real treat, an evening meal here with a jug of Spingo to wash it down. Best to book well ahead.
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Legendary! real fire, real people and real ales! They have their own ale 'Spingo' which they make on-site. Highly recommended. P.s. Make sure you go to the once a year music festival 'Helstonbury'.
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Visited 24/10/06, Tuesday lunchtime. Situated in the middle of town, this is a fantastic pub. The architecture alone is worthy of a visit. Step into any of the rooms and you half expect to be greeted by a National Trust guide. The building is a gem. More importantly though this is a brew pub and they certainly do that well. The Jubilee IPA and Springo Middle are spot on. Unfortunately because of having to drive I never got to try the Springo Bragget. It's an excuse to go back though, but I certainly don't need an excuse when in the area again. Incidentally the food's pretty good too.
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This is the sort of pub that you walk into and instantly feel comfortable. It's quiet, with just the slight buzz of haphazard conversation that is so relaxing in an English pub. I wish I lived nearer!
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This is one of my very fav pubs you just have to visit it there ain't many like it it ain't no wetherspoons this is what pubs are all about!
This will shock the youf of today as it's no wine bar but it is full of real people, that could be intimadating to the plastic pub brigade!
We were in with the locals strait away because we talked to them, great pub!
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Lovely pub; lovely brews; just lovely (hic)
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Visited this pub in 2005 and felt like I shouldn't be there as I wasn't a local-wouldn't go again.
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This brewpub is a complete unspoilt gem. I visited last night following recommendations from friends, this site and the Good Beer Guide.
This is a centuries-old sprawling low-ceilinged pub and home of the Blue Anchor Brewery. Staff and locals afforded me the warmest of welcomes, and conversation was struck up within literally seconds of arrival. I wish to thank Tom, the barman of 29 years, for showing me around the brewery and allowing me to take the photographs.
The pub is divided up into several small rooms with a covered alleyway separating the two main structures of the building. There is a rear bar behind the main pub hosting live music, and a beer garden that accommodated the beer festival that I was lucky enough to attend. I only tried one beer from the festival (Ales of Scilly "SCUPPERED") as I was there to taste the Spingo ales of which I had three:
Jubilee IPA, 4.6%. Refreshing, quite malty ale.
Spingo Middle, 5%. The best beer all night. Very fruity start with a nutty taste following, and a lusciously dry, peppery finish.
Spingo Bragget, 6.1%. An apple-and-honey ale brewed from a centuries-old recipe, tasting more like a cider than a beer. The brew was too sweet for my liking but it has to be experienced.
Apart from the live music at the back the only sound you will here elsewhere in the pub is lively, hearty conversation - with one exception: A good quality piano is situated in the front room. I was invited to play and nearly missed the bus back to Penzance!
I wish to thank the locals, especially those of the cricket team (Tim, Nathan, Petebutignorehim and the lovely American lady whose name escapes me at the time of this posting).
The pub simply must be visited. I will be back!
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Had to visit but a bit disappointed. Another one of those pubs that loves itself but thinks it doesn't have to try.
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Simply great pub architecturally and from the point of its home brewed beers. That its rating should only be 7.1/10 at time of writing is a travesty.
I'm about to do my bit to boost its rating.
anonymous - 23 Jul 2006 00:17 |
Never had a bad time, nor a bad pint in the Blue Anchor. Visited as often as possible over many years, and always glad to visit again. An absolute gem, and just what a pub should be.
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Strange pub - lots of local characters and can be very blokey and a bit grubby looking, but lovely on a cold winter's afternoon. The locals are very friendly and the beer is amazing - nectar in a glass! Always our first port of call when we travel down to Cornwall from the home counties.
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lovely looking pub on the outside, pity the insides looks like a disaster zone full of idiots and drunks no where decent to sit and relax, beer was awful but i suppose some are to drunk to care, mens toilet is certainly not up to even the lowest standards expected from a well advertised pub like this. barman is ok though
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This is one of the all time Pubs to visit and it also The Oldest Home Brew Pub. It Own Beers Go Under the Name Spingo.
If in the area it is must to Visit.
I was luck enough to Sample some in The Red Lion Linkfield Road Iselworth This Year and the where as good as the Beers I sampled in The Blue Anchor Helston in 2003.
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As a lover of low-gravity beers, I was underwhelmed by this famous pub's beers. They all tasted like cider ! Pub itself is a classic. Pity about the beers!
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Smells strange- very potent beer. friendly staff and locals
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A Worldwide Icon!!!!! I recently travelled 12830 miles for a pint (or 3), and have the air ticket to prove it. Sure the Spingo isn't ALWAYS top notch, though it almost always is, but that's one of the wonderful idiosyncrancies of this 15th century own-brew place. Still with possibly it's original stone floor (uneven - beware after a couple of pints!), skittle alley which also doubles as music bar, and Tony the barman who - after I hadn't been in for 5 years because I now live down under - greeted me by name and had my pint pulled before I'd ordered. THAT'S what I call service. Frequented by a loyal band of mostly older locals and a worldwide army of ale fans of all ages, this is where you find the British pub at its best. Real ales, brewery open to view, good food, conversation with anyone (though it helps to understand the local dialect) and truly memorable after-effects if you overdo it. Enjoy the Blue, enjoy the Spingo - but in moderation! And you can find Blue Anchor souvenirs in every corner of the planet where beer is drunk.
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When on a visit to Cornwall, I had the pleasure of visiting this "instant atmosphere" pub. The thathed roof, the creeky board floors, and the shallow celing was a clue this has been here a while. I discovered this pub when I bought the Real Ale Guide to UK. WHen visiting from the USA this was the idea that I had for a FINE PUB!
anonymous - 3 May 2005 05:09 |
Every time I walk into this pub (which unfortunately has only been half a dozen times) I always end up stumbling out...
The beer brewed on site is absolutely georgeous!!
Truly marvellous (bit sketchy) memories.
They do really great traditional food, and if you think the cornish paties here are huge you should try the baker up the hill and to the right (High Street) the large ones could feed a family of four.
One of my top 3 pubs. See St Kew Inn (St Kew) and Old Dungeon Ghyll (Great Langdale).
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Was taken to the Blue by my Cornish fellow, whom I met in my homecountry, Finland. Fell in love with Spingo and the dear old men in the pub. I will go back, with or without my man...
Lovely pub, brilliant athmosphere, love sitting by the window, end of the long table.
Merja - 14 Oct 2004 13:06 |
I'm back in Canada now, but in the 80's I used to help run a folk club in the skittle alley. It was the best local, and music around (especially in the winter). We never had a bad turn out). O.K. the spingo was sometimes a bit off, but I don't recall ever sending it back!! Whatever happened to Sid and the boys?? We had many good times there!! I hope I'm not considered offensive, pointless or totally irrelevent, because it was a significant time in my life!! Much fun. That's what it's all about, Kim (friend of Pete and Nigel, remember going back to Porthleven after Friday night folk club and finding spring tides disassembled much of the harbour?).
kim steele - 7 Oct 2004 07:36 |
Brilliant pub, friendly staff and locals. Spingo is amazing beer and we had a lovely tour of the brewery. Nice to support local economy rather than a chain.
amy - 4 Oct 2004 10:49 |
Excellent pub with very friendly welcome. Unfortunately beer quality was below average on last visit
Steve - 30 Aug 2004 21:54 |
Last Year 2003 in August we attended a rather unusal wedding reception in the beer garden of this fantastic little pub. We were treated to cornish pasties the is size of a small country and hospitality to match, not to mention pints of real ale and the famous Spingo. We also had a fun time playing skittles out the back. All said and done I could not think of a better place to hold a wedding reception everyone certainly enjoyed their day. We certainly did and decided there and then that next year we would holiday in Cornwall so that we could enjoy the delights of the Blue Anchor once more. We did and have just returned home to Scotland stocked up with Spingo
Ann - 16 Aug 2004 16:51 |
I've not been here for I while but have very fond memories. Some times the Spingo ales have tasted a little too "home brew" ... but the overall package is a gem ...
Monty - 24 May 2004 08:56 |
In terms of character this pun stands alongside such worthy drinking holes as the "Old Trip To Jerusalem" in Nottingham, Cornwalls own "Seven Stars" in Falmouth and the Eldon arms in Portsmouth. Live bands are a regular feature and no self respecting member of Camra could refuse the opportunity to sample and enjoy the famous Spingo Ales brewed on site.
Andy P - 11 Apr 2004 18:24 |
Very good atmosphere, my step dad uses this place as a second home. friendly pub with really excellent live bands. and its the best venue for HELSTONBURY!!!
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It's definitely worth a detour and their even friendly to grockles and emmets.
Beer was excellent, its a proper pub.
TC (Mousehole) - 30 Jan 2004 18:18 |
The locals clearly love and adore this place, but as a visiting tourist I was underwhelmed. The building is an interesting historical curiosity but is also cold, poky and uncomfortable. The staff are just polite, and the locals seem more cliquey than the average friendly Cornish crowd. The 'Spingo' beers may be potent but are nothing special in the taste department. Very over-hyped. I wished I hadn't driven miles out of my way to visit.
anonymous - 5 Jan 2004 00:11 |
A pint of Middle is the best bet!! Although if your feeling brave a "Christmas Special" will warm you up!! Skittle Alley out back too!! Definitely a friendly pub!!
Alan - 29 Nov 2003 20:48 |
Well what can I say about this place?!!! Probably one of if not THE best pub in the land!!! A brew pub, the OLDEST brew pub in the country dating from the 15th century. The pub hhas been in EVERY edition of the Good Beer Guide. The famous "Spingo" beers are renowned for their potency! The pub has an atmosphere all of its own. You can go there and always get talking to people and just have a great time. Not to be missed and worth a trip to Cornwall just to go there!!! There are some real characters go in there and they always have a tale to tell. 11/10
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