Heritage by the sea

Words by Jamie Crocker

It is something that cannot be bought, but is earned through consistency and time.

Asteadfast business in the South West, independent and family-run St Austell Brewery has stood the test of time since 1851. From humble beginnings as a supplier of wines and spirits, St Austell Brewery has grown into an award-winning business spanning pubs, brewing and drinks wholesale, continually championing hospitality. After its recent rebrand, the time was right to explore how the historic business has evolved, unifying its unique offering. We caught up with Gareth James, Operations Director, to find out more.

Can you give us an overview of St Austell Brewery’s pubs-with-rooms collection?

St Austell Brewery owns more than 160 pubs across the South West, from the Isles of Scilly to Somerset, many of which are award-winning. Earlier this year, St Austell Brewery was named Brewing Pub Company of the Year at the coveted Publican Awards. 45 of those pubs form St Austell Brewery’s managed estate. Our pubs with rooms offer a charming mix of coastal and countryside escapes across the region, each combining characterful hospitality with stylish and comfortable accommodation. Whether it’s a beachside retreat or a rural hideaway, our pubs help showcase the best of the South West’s charm in some of the most stunning locations, complete with memorable hospitality, locally sourced food and award-winning beers. 

What makes your approach to hospitality unique compared to other UK pub and hotel groups?

As a family-run, independent business, we’re driven by genuine warmth, local pride and a heartfelt connection to the South West. Each of our pubs reflects its surroundings – not just in style, but in spirit – championing local suppliers and offering relaxed, memorable experiences. We empower our teams to create moments that truly belong to their locations, from yoga on the deck of the Old Success in Sennen to RIB-boat tours from The Atlantic exploring the Isles of Scilly.

Community sits at the heart of everything we do. Our pubs host events that raise funds for the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust, supporting local causes and individuals across the region. We also celebrate local provenance through collaborations with nearby producers, from Tarquin’s gin tastings to RNLI supper clubs.

What role does Pedn Olva in St Ives play within the wider portfolio?

The Pedn Olva, part of our managed estate for the past 25 years, is one of our latest refurbishment projects – a major investment focused on enhancing and preserving our venues. It’s one of St Ives’ most iconic coastal venues, with its renovation now honouring its amazing location with standout design and unrivalled views. As a pub rooted in a town synonymous with art, the interiors showcase more than 25 pieces of original, commissioned and bespoke artwork including sculpture and stained glass, many by Cornish artists and sourced from local galleries.

How does its location appeal to those planning a 2026 retreat to Cornwall?

Perched on the rocks above Porthminster Beach, the Pedn Olva has one of the best views in Cornwall. The iconic structure has been completely transformed to showcase its unique setting and heritage. The majority of rooms look out onto the golden sands of the beaches of St Ives, and it’s within walking distance to the attractions people come to St Ives for – the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth Museum, Carbis Bay and the South West Coast Path. It’s well connected with the train, just a short distance from the pub, as well as having ample parking nearby, as well as being less than an hour’s drive from Cornwall Airport Newquay.

Are there particular experiences or packages planned that combine accommodation, dining, and local culture?

Our pubs are designed to offer memorable experiences every day. At the newly refurbished Pedn Olva, spaces have been reimagined to encourage relaxation, with inviting corners like The Lookout – a glass-walled retreat filled with soft furnishings, sheepskin throws and coastal charm, ideal for unwinding with one of our award-winning beers after exploring the town.

The expansive terrace overlooks the golden sands of Porthminster Beach, setting the scene for al fresco dining from breakfast through to sunset. Roof terraces provide the perfect backdrop for celebrations or sundowner selfies, while rooms at our coastal and riverside pubs come with thick robes ready for a refreshing dip in the sea.

Could you share the story and character of the Royal Castle?

Sitting on Dartmouth’s harbour front since the 17th century, the Royal Castle is one of the town’s most distinguished landmarks – and the latest in our managed estate to receive a thoughtful refurbishment.

The Grade II* listed building’s renovation, which began earlier this year, has uncovered and preserved a wealth of historic features, including 17th-century window frames and cobbled stone floors. Every era has left its mark, and the new design celebrates them all. Working closely with Historic England and the Local Planning Authority, our property team, alongside specialist designers and engineers, have approached every detail with care and respect for the building’s heritage.

The Royal Castle joined our award-winning 45-strong managed estate in 2019, adding a new chapter to its story. A date stone above the entrance marks its origins in 1639, when it began as two elegant townhouses built for merchants trading Atlantic cod. By the late 1600s, one had become an apothecary serving locals and sailors, later evolving into the New Inn — a lively tavern and brewhouse. Expanding through the centuries, it became The Castle Hotel in 1841 and gained its ‘Royal’ title following King Edward VII’s stay while Prince of Wales.

Today, the Royal Castle’s restoration blends period character with modern comfort. Original Victorian windows, timber panelling and listed floorboards have been carefully retained, while all 24 bedrooms feature a coastal-inspired redesign. A new bar and dining offer distinctive settings for every occasion.

What makes it a standout choice for travellers looking at 2026 breaks?

Having been voted as the Best Brewing Pub Company at this year’s Publican Awards (the equivalent of The Oscars for hospitality), we strive to create memorable experiences and bring that elevated touch to people’s visit to the pub, whether that’s joining us for a special occasion, an anniversary meal, stopping over after a trek along the South West Coast Path or escaping everyday life for a weekend getaway. The Royal Castle sits in the most prominent position in the town of Dartmouth and while the waterside offers a restful escape, the town itself buzzes with life and plenty of local events. 

How do the different pubs showcase local, seasonal food and St Austell Brewery’s beers?

Our managed pubs proudly pour our award-winning beers – from favourites like Tribute, Proper Job and korev to timeless classics including Gem, Hicks and Cornish Best. As the South West’s largest drinks wholesaler, we also offer an exceptional wine portfolio, curated by our in-house experts to ensure the perfect pairing every time.

We champion the region’s best growers, farmers and fishermen, forging lasting partnerships built on quality and sustainability. Our chefs craft beautiful, seasonal dishes using South West produce that’s grown, reared and landed – from Tenderstem broccoli at Castle Dean in St Columb to hand-picked rhubarb from Fox Farm in Penzance.

Think grass-fed beef from Cornish farms supplied by Brian Etherington, or luxuriously rich clotted cream from Trewithen Dairy – local ingredients that mean fewer miles and fuller flavour. From field to fork, every dish is a celebration of provenance and freshness.

As the South West’s largest independent brewer, we’re constantly innovating. Through our Cask Club, we release limited-edition and seasonal brews throughout the year, available across our pubs and beyond – bringing the spirit of the West Country to every pint.

Are there any unique dining experiences across the portfolio?

A standout in our managed estate, Pilchards at Port Gaverne is celebrated for its exceptional seafood and relaxed coastal dining. With dishes that showcase the freshest catches and bold, Cornish-inspired flavours, it perfectly captures the spirit of the sea.

Across the portfolio, several pubs pair great pizza with equally impressive views. Highlights include the Hare & Hounds near Bath, a laid-back countryside pub with a spacious garden, and the Harbour Inn in Porthleven, where guests can enjoy sourdough pizza overlooking the harbour.

How do you cater for London-based travellers seeking a restorative escape?

St Austell Brewery pubs provide London-based travellers with a refreshing escape from city life, combining comfort, character and convenience. Many are easily reached via major train routes, with stations at Falmouth, St Ives and Penzance offering direct or well-connected services. For those driving, several pubs offer on-site parking, granting easy access to both coastal and countryside retreats.

Each pub is designed to help guests relax and recharge. From the invigorating sea air of a coastal inn to the tranquil calm of a countryside retreat, warm interiors, locally inspired menus, and attentive service create a restorative stay.

Seasonal packages cater to short breaks, including cosy autumn and winter escapes with discounted rooms and fireside dining, midweek offers for quieter, better-value stays and flexible booking options for spontaneous trips – all designed to make every stay effortless and memorable.

How do you address sustainability and responsibility?

Alongside our rebrand in June, we unveiled our sustainability plan. As a family business of 174 years, crafting a brighter future and leaving a lasting legacy for the generations to come is our action plan. The new strategy is organised around three pillars: Protecting Places, Celebrating Partnerships and Championing People. 

The business also scooped the Excellence in Waste Management award at this year’s Green Awards UK. The award recognised the incredible impact of Operation Segregation – our campaign that’s changing the way our pub teams segregate and think about waste in our 45 managed pubs across the South West. 

From team training to colour-coded bins to food redistribution and smart data dashboards, the business has excelled in the adoption of the scheme to reduce general waste by 80% by 2026 in its managed estate. The ultimate goal is to reach zero waste by 2040. This means that no waste from the business will end up in landfill or incineration without energy recovery.

We champion local produce too, which means shorter supply chains and lower food miles.

St Austell Brewery’s sustainability efforts go far beyond waste management, with a holistic strategy embedded across the business. De-carbonisation work is underway in partnership with Zevero, and the business has also joined Sedex, an online platform that enables suppliers to maintain and share data on ethical and responsible practices with their customers. Alongside this, engagement and upskilling plans are being developed, giving teams across the organisation ownership of delivering the wider sustainability plan.

What does the roadmap look like for St Austell Brewery’s pubs and rooms in 2026 and beyond?

Our vision is all about deepening the guest experience, creating spaces that feel not just welcoming, but memorable. We’re continuing to build on the rich experiences we already deliver in our pubs, working closely with local suppliers and producers to craft a compelling offer that keeps guests coming back, not only for a pint but for the bigger moments that matter, too.

Our pubs are evolving into destinations in their own right; places where you can enjoy a pint overlooking a stunning coastal view, tuck into beautifully prepared dishes championing local ingredients, or stay a little longer to soak up the spirit of the South West. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend escape or a carefully planned walking holiday, we’re focused on offering stays that feel restorative and authentic.

staustellbrewery.co.uk