Visitors flock to Falmouth for its stunning smattering of beaches, coves and waterside scenery perfect for walking, array of things to do in the town, and impressive events roster.
And if that’s not enough, Falmouth is also celebrated for its foodie status, with lauded restaurants alongside characterful pubs (many of which welcome dogs) and Cornish cuisine all guaranteeing a gastronomy of a stay. So whether you’re looking for a watering hole after a day exploring, or a scenic spot to tuck into some local cuisine, here are some of the best pubs and bars in Falmouth…
Star and Garter
Best for: Spectacular waterside views
52 High Street, Falmouth TR11 2AF
starandgarterfalmouth.co.uk
Situated in the beating heart of Falmouth in a gorgeous Georgian townhouse overlooking the harbour, the Star and Garter is first rate in every way, from its jaw-dropping location to its inviting interiors and spectacular food and drink. Blending local ales and rustic decor with an award winning restaurant and top-notch service, the destination pub is both modern eclectic and traditionally charming – the kind of place in which you feel instantly at home while also having your senses constantly piqued.
An unbridled passion for food ensures lip-smacking lunches and the heartiest of dinners from Thursday to Saturday, with Sundays boasting a Sunday lunch of epic portions. Devour the likes of seafood boils and rotisserie chicken in the week, or book a Sunday table for a slap up roast like no other. Wash it all down with world-class whiskies, your pick of rums, a seasonal cocktail, glass of wine or Cornish beer.
The Working Boat
Best for: Sinking local ales harbourside
Harbourside, Falmouth TR11 2SR
theworkingboat.co.uk
If it’s a ‘proper’ pub experience that you’re after, then a trip to the aptly named (and dog friendly), The Working Boat – which can be found waterfront on Greenbank Road – is a must-visit. Serving up their very own Working Boat brew along with no less than 15 beers and ciders on tap, expect fabulous flavours and endless harbour views as you eat, drink, and boat-watch an hour or an afternoon away. Tuck into tasting platters or individually served small dishes such as smoked mackerel salad, crispy chilli prawns and goats cheese churros; an array of Cornish seafood including whole baked fish, fish and chips and Riggers Feast; griddled dishes like barbecue steak and burgers; and variety of vegan options, salads and sides (as well as a delicious selection of desserts). Their drinks menu is equally as enticing, with top quality craft beers, Cornish gins, coffees and a mix of other tipples from across the globe.
They also host various events including quizzes, beer festivals, real ale & cider trails, beach cleans, and live music nights for entertainment aplenty; while their brand new Beer Tent can be found at the end of their very own private quay (no booking needed) for anyone wanting a local pint, fresh slice of pizza (made with stone baked Cornish dough) and ice cream/sundaes with a side of music and those priceless views.
Chain Locker
Best for: Modern fare with a side of history
Quay Street, Falmouth TR11 3HH
chainlockerfalmouth.co.uk
Sitting on Falmouth’s historic quayside, the lovingly restored 16th century Chain Locker is thought to be one of the town’s oldest buildings, presenting panoramic harbour views while offering modern cuisine and award-winning beer. Nestle into a spot inside, or retire to the terrace or outside area to make the most of the sprawling vistas as you drift into your surrounds and sample a fantastic range of flavours.
Peckish punters can pick from the menu’s nibbles, starters or sharers options, while appetites will be well and truly satisfied by the plethora of pub classics (think West Country beef burgers, wholetail scampi and chips, and chicken, ham hock and leek pie), mains including market fish, Caesar salad, Malaysian laksa and local mussels. And with a host of desserts and coffees to pick from, there’s plenty to please all palates. Sink a delectable glass of Polgoon Cornish wine, any of the range of St Austell Brewery beers, or find your favourite cocktail while enjoying an al fresco summer supper or cosy winter’s lunch. They also serve breakfast, are family and dog friendly, and host regular live music events, making Chain Locker a supremely crowd-pleasing choice.
The Front
Best for: Local brews on-tap
38 Arwenack Street Custom House Quay Falmouth TR11 3JF
Nestled on the picturesque quayside in the centre of town, The Front doesn’t just claim prime waterside position, but boasts CAMRA award-winning status for their brewery crafted, cask conditioned beers. Expect an inviting atmosphere and friendly staff serving a lip-smacking variety of mostly local beers, ciders and spirits from the likes of Skinner’s, Sharp’s, Tintagel Brewery and Firebrand Brewing Co, alongside snacks and with the option of bringing your own food - including fish and chips from the award-winning Harbour Lights conveniently situated just above.
There’s outdoor seating overlooking the hubbub of the harbour – the perfect place for sitting in the summer sun whilst enjoying a spot of people-watching – while a year-round schedule of entertainment features quizzes, open mic nights and live music for a soundtrack as stellar as the service, location and menus - check out their social media for a sneak peek. It’s also dog friendly (with dog treats ‘on tap’!) and wheelchair accessible.
The Quayside Inn
Best for: Dog-friendly dining
41 Arwenack Street, Falmouth TR11 3LH
greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/cornwallscilly/quayside-inn
If it’s a quick bite from a British menu that takes your fancy, The Quayside Inn is just the ticket. What’s more, with sea views and a beer garden gazing over the docks, visitors can admire the scenery while tucking into a range of menus covering all ages and dietary requirements from gluten-free and seniors to vegetarian, kids and brunch.
Renowned for its welcoming ambience and dedicated service, The Quayside’s flavours are just as raved about, with world wines available alongside real ales, cocktails and soft drinks, and dishes including nachos, crafted burgers, grills, signature and pub classics such as lasagne, Hunters chicken, pies, mussels, lamb shank and chickenless katsu curry. Watch the latest game on BT sports, book a table for date night, or take the family (including the hound) for a classic Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
Kernowine
Best for: Wine lovers
21 Killigrew Street, Falmouth TR11 3PN
kernowine.co.uk
The fabulous, dog friendly establishment can be found in the centre of town and combines a shop, bar and wine school in one fabulous venue. Their evolving collection of sustainably sourced wine is inspired by the Cornish heritage of their surrounds, with a sense of story imbued in each delectable bottle. Work your way through a menu brimming with inimitable choice, from beers and Cornish ciders to a host of cocktails including a Rum Negroni, Bellini and Bar Buoy Mai Tai to mocktails like the Ruby Spritz and spirit-based drinks such as a Loveday Gin & Tonic (along with a range of hot and soft drinks).
Wine-wise, you’re spoiled for choice with a daily menu by the glass, bottles from the shop, wine cans and mini bottles in red, white, rose, sangria, sparkling, organic, vegan, biodynamic, sweet and fortified varieties. And should your stomach need to absorb some of the alcohol, order a delicious charcuterie board, brunch, plate (lobster roll, salad bowl, vegan halloumi, roast beef bagel), or bar snack.
Beerwolf Books Freehouse
Best for: Beer and books!
3 Bells Court, Falmouth TR11 3AZ
If pairing a piece of literature with your favourite tipple sounds like a match made in heaven, then Beerwolf Books is definitely your dream space. The bookshop-meets-bar unites the two pastimes of reading and drinking to characterful effect, allowing customers to put their feet up as they sink into a story while supping on anything from their well-stocked selection.
The ideal choice for a stormy day or dark winter’s eve, Beerwolf’s wood-clad interiors invite you to devour another chapter or drink a little later as you stay a while longer. Sink a cider, try a Cornish ale from the likes of Sharp’s, Skinner’s, Atlantic or Tintagel Brewery, or unwind with a coffee and the relaxing mood lighting (perhaps also in the company of a guest author) at this boho style bookshop with a tantalising twist.
The Chintz Symposium
Best for: A fantastical setting
Old Brewery Yard, Falmouth TR11 2BY
thechintzbar.com
You’re invited to fall down the rabbit hole to discover this quirky bar situated in the heart of Falmouth, where an intriguing and top-tasting experience awaits. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s famous story, ‘Alice in Wonderland’, you’ll be greeted by bright wallpaper, mirror walls, secret rooms and kitsch furniture that all combine to create the palpable sense of fantasy at this sense-stirring venue. Classic cocktails such as Bloody Marys can be found alongside signature drinks like the Espresso Chinzini, while the wine, beer and cider lists feature both local offerings including Rattler and Scrumpy from Healy’s as well as craft ales from across the globe.
There’s also a variety of teas, coffees and soft drinks, and food including cheese boards, toasties and the crowd-pleasing, Aussie Smoker: a year-round event brought to The Chintz Bar every week that provides one vegan and one non-vegan meal fresh from the grill using barbecue techniques from around the world (booking advised in keeping with the chef’s food wastage-minimising practices.) Music lovers will delight in the string of live performances from jazz nights to funk and DJ sets, while comedy and cabaret complete the eclectic mash-up of entertainment readily available.
The Games Room
Best for: The young at heart
12 Market Street, Falmouth TR11 3AE
Entertaining all ages with its array of games – from pool, darts and snooker to table tennis, shuffleboard, table football and over 50 board games – the centrally located pool and billiards hall also stocks a fantastic selection of beverages, making it an all-weather, crowd-pleasing venue.
You can sip on a cocktail, spirit, real ale, Cornish gold cider, Rattler, Guinness or Carlsberg while playing a round of your favourite game; with sports matches also being regularly streamed live on a big screen so you don’t miss out on the latest rugby, football or boxing match. Dogs are always invited, and under-18s are welcome until 7pm, but must be accompanied by an adult. Check out their social media for more information.
Jacob’s Ladder Inn
Best for: Live music
1-2 Chapel Terrace, Falmouth TR11 3BQ
thejacobsladderinn.co.uk
A potent combination of live music and events, good food and real ales makes for a memorable visit here. Located at the top of the renowned Jacob’s Ladder Steps (a 111 step climb leading off the Moor in the centre of town), the traditional inn will reward your hike with an instantly relaxing atmosphere as you pick your favourite food and drink from a menu oozing top taste and choice.
Hosting music acts no less than five nights a week alongside live sport, the dog-friendly pub also boasts darts and pool to keep patrons thoroughly entertained. Select a burger, pizza or Sunday roast, or opt for a hearty main of pie, honey-glazed ham, mac and cheese, lasagne or scampi. Prop yourself on one of the tables outside during the warmer months, or sink into one of the sofas to escape the autumn chill with your favourite pint while watching a live sporting event on one of the large projector screens.
Verdant Seafood Bar
Best for: Fish and freshly-brewed beer
Quay Street, Falmouth TR11 3HH
verdantbrewing.co/pages/seafoodbar
If a fresh-from-the-ocean supper washed down with a lip-smacking beer sounds like your kind of belly fill, you won’t beat the Verdant Seafood Bar, owned by the well-known Cornish brewery. Serving freshly brewed local beer alongside a small plate menu of local and sustainable seafood dishes cooked with a French, Spanish and British persuasion, pick anything from their pan-fried gurnard with mussels to their giant fish finger butty, lobster roll, crab loaded chips, or monkfish with Korean barbecue sauce for an utterly mouth-watering feast.
Pair with a (Mills Brewing) wine or one of their eight lines of Verdant beers including their zesty Lightbulb and single hop berry brew, Maybe One More PSI? Family and pet friendly – and conveniently located by Custom House Quay in the middle of town – this hidden gem is a must-find for anyone that appreciates fresh and local flavour of the highest calibre.
Lawrance’s Bakery & Bar
Events Square, Falmouth TR11 3XA
lawrances.co.uk
Anyone who’s ever fancied a cocktail and a cake while in Truro knows of the indulgent delights of Lawrance’s. Now with a second location in Falmouth, you can enjoy this epic combo with waterside views and fresh, sea air. Dine on freshly baked cupcakes and brownies (you can also take them home with you thanks to the treat boxes) or bagel full of Cornish bacon and smashed avocado, all while sipping on a Seriously creative cocktail - a Kinder Martini is the drink we never knew we needed!
Coffee, shakes, and smoothie bowls can also be found on the menu, which adds up to an epic brunch by anyone’s standards. This chic café-turned-bar is right in the action of Events Square, so you can combine your cocktails with a stroll around the heart of Falmouth or a spot of retail therapy. Now, that is how you treat yourself!
Want to see what Falmouth looks like right now? Check out our waterside webcam for an unbeatable view.
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