The Globe, Falmouth

A good sized pub in the heart of Falmouth with great views across the estuary from it’s elevated position, there is also some outside seating on the quay side. I thought it had something of the look of a chain pub about it, and I suppose that’s what it is although the branding wasn’t obvious and there was in fact a decent selection of drinks available. Inside it’s one L-shape room with a tiled floor and some wood strip by the bar counter, white wood panelling on the ceiling and a mixture of all sorts on the walls – some green paintwork, some tile effect wallpaper, some flock wallpaper and even rough wooden boards mounted on a 45° angle. A couple of plasma screens were showing the football although the volume was very low so this was not too intrusive. A long Chesterfield sofa at the front of the pub looked a comfy spot to sit and look at the boats out on the river. The barman was very helpful even offering to carry my drinks to the table, although it is perhaps a shame that he couldn’t have cleared up some of the empty tables – perhaps that is someone else’s job. The menu looked to be a mass produced affair divided in to sections such as sandwiches, jackets, burgers and main meals. The latter options included typical pub grub dishes such as ham egg and chips, fish and chips, scampi and chips, sausage and mash, pork belly, chicken tikka masala, etc., and these were mostly priced around £6 - £7, although I believe many were also available as part of a “2 for £11” deal. We didn’t eat on this occasion so cannot comment on the quality. Beers on tap were Doom Bar, Black Sheep Monty Python’s Holy Grail and Quayside Ale from the local Rebel Brewing at Penryn. A further two pumps appeared unused. Ciders were well represented with Symonds Founders Reserve, Thatcher’s Old Rascal, Old Rosie and Rosie’s Pig.

An old four storey town house that close to the harbour and Maritime Museum,and is now a John Barras pub,that seems to concentrate more on the diner than that of the drinker.Called in most nights as the Hotel we were staying at was quite close by,and found a fair selection of beers,the food good and as Gill Smith points out the meals were a bargain at 2 for a tenner.The pub seemed to be understaffed slightly,but did find the barstaff and waiters quite friendly and efficient.

Oh, how this place has changed over the years. Once a fantastic Free House with more real ales than I could name. What is it now? These are the notes I made during my visit. A good pub that has sold out to create an image rather than provide good beer. More a restaurant than a pub. The ales are the usual weak beers of Cornwall - Doom Bar, Knocker & Betty Stoggs - only ale worth drinking was Sharps Special (it was very good). Food expensive & unimaginative - still provide it for the tourists & they'll just accept it. Although light & airy the atmosphere was on a par with the cemetery unlike the lively place it used to be. Shame, crying shame! One star for the Sharps Special.