Stepping inside The New Inn in Tywardreath, you quickly realise this is no ordinary village pub. The unusually low bar was built with Cornwall's miners in mind, faded photographs decorate the walls, and a giant Cornish flag hangs across an entire wall. It feels a little like walking into a mini-museum.
The 17th-century pub has quietly earned national acclaim, having been named among The Telegraph's best pubs in the UK for two years running. It also hosted a then little-known Sam Fender long before he was selling out stadiums.
For the business partners who run the St Austell Brewery pub, brothers Christian and Stephen Hanks, that is all part of the charm.
"This isn't really a destination that shouts about itself," said Christian. "People come in and discover something they weren't expecting. You've always got people noticing something new. There are hundreds of years of history in this building, from the walls themselves to the old beer bottles lining the ceiling shelves. Despite the years passing, locals still occasionally arrive at the pub carrying bottles they have discovered in sheds, lofts or garages, adding them to the growing collection displayed around the bar. It's become a bit of a tradition."
One of the most notable features is the bar itself, which looks unusually low. Tywardreath was once a thriving mining community. Local miners would head to the pub after long days underground, and the low bar made it easier for them to lean against after hours spent crouched down. Still embedded in the wood of the bar are two brass slots, remnants of a time when miners were paid with tokens that could be exchanged locally for food and drink.
"It's one of those little pieces of history that's still here," said Christian. "You can actually see how the village's past is tied into the pub."
Old photographs show Tywardreath in years gone by, including one of a butcher standing outside the pub with his horse and cart. Another image draws plenty of attention from visitors, showing a child in the pub's doorway with what appears to be a ghostly figure looming behind them.
The pub's striking Cornish identity was also singled out by The Telegraph, which highlighted the enormous Cornish flag that dominates one wall. The flag has a story of its own. It was found and embroidered by Stephen and Christian's sister before being given pride of place inside the pub.
While history gives The New Inn its character, music has helped shape its more recent story. Tucked just off the main bar is a room that serves as both a dining space and live music venue, hosting regular gigs throughout the year. Over time it has welcomed countless musicians, including one who would go on to become one of Britain's biggest stars. Before selling out arenas and headlining festivals, Sam Fender played a gig at The New Inn. That commitment continues today, with live music taking place at least once a month.
Outside, the pub opens into unexpectedly large gardens. A stretch tent and outdoor bar provide the setting for summer events, live music and community gatherings. Recently, the pub hosted a firewalk, with participants walking barefoot across hot coals.
For Christian, who grew up in nearby Fowey with his family, pubs have been part of life for as long as he can remember. He started out washing pots in a local pub at just 14 years old. Although he later earned a degree in mining engineering, life eventually led him back behind the bar. After spending time working in hospitality in London, he returned home to Cornwall and now runs both The New Inn and The Lugger Inn in Fowey with Stephen, employing more than 30 people across the two St Austell Brewery owned pubs.
"People sometimes think hospitality is a temporary job, but it's a career I've spent most of my working life in pubs and I've never really looked back."
Despite the national accolades, the growing reputation and the famous former performers, Christian believes The New Inn's greatest strength remains remarkably simple.
"It's the people. You might put on a gig, a charity event or it's a normal Friday night, and when the pub is busy and everyone is happy, that's the best feeling."
Historic Cornish Pub Hosted Sam Fender Before Fame