New boss sought for one of Cornwall's most iconic pubs

Kirstie McCrum
·3-min read
The Pandora Inn near Falmouth is looking for a new publican
-Credit: (Image: St Austell Brewery)


The owners of a historic Cornwall pub with its own pontoon beer garden are looking for a new boss to run the venue. The world-famous Pandora Inn was put on the global map following a devastating fire in 2011.

At the height of the blaze, 35 firefighters were tackling the flames. The whole of the first floor of the ancient inn was destroyed and only a few charred timbers remained.

Following the damage, the building had the most sensitive restoration, using traditional materials and building methods to protect its Grade II listed charm. Now, for the first time in a quarter of a century, the pub near Falmouth is looking for a new publican.

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The 13th Century Inn comes with its very own pontoon, which doubles as a beer garden, stretching out into the creek. Parts of the riverside inn date back to the 13th Century, with flagstone floors, low-beamed ceilings and thatched roof.

The interior is packed full of maritime memorabilia, including a replica of HMS Pandora in one of the dining spaces, log fires and even a ship figurehead. It’s a popular spot with locals and those fond of the water, with its pontoon beer garden serving as a space to moor up kayaks, paddleboards and boats.

Parts of the riverside inn date back to the 13th Century
Parts of the riverside inn date back to the 13th Century -Credit:St Austell Brewery

Marinas, yacht clubs and harbours nearby include Loe Beach, Mylor, Falmouth and St Mawes.

Clive Greene, head of tenanted estate for St Austell Brewery, said: “Running the historic Pandora Inn offers an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Cornish heritage. This pub is not just a place to enjoy a pint; it’s a destination.

The pub has flagstone floors, low-beamed ceilings and a thatched roof
The pub has flagstone floors, low-beamed ceilings and a thatched roof -Credit:St Austell Brewery

"The Pandora Inn's prime location offers access to scenic waterways, perfect for boating enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With a steady flow of tourists and locals year-round, the potential for vibrant business growth is immense.

"As a new tenant, you’ll have great opportunities to enhance the Pandora Inn’s appeal.

The 13th Century Inn comes with its very own pontoon which doubles as a beer garden, stretching out into the creek
The 13th Century Inn comes with its very own pontoon which doubles as a beer garden, stretching out into the creek -Credit:St Austell Brewery

"With room for creative culinary ventures events and community engagement, there’s potential to elevate this pub beyond its already brilliant reputation.”

Handing back the keys of the St Austell Brewery pub after 25 years at the helm is landlord John Milan, who, alongside his business partner, Steve, is a well-known Westcountry publican and hotelier of many years’ standing. The new publican will have the chance to flex their creative flair with culinary ventures, events and community engagement.

It’s a popular spot with locals and those fond of the water, with its pontoon beer garden serving as a space to moor up kayaks, paddleboards and boats.
It’s a popular spot with locals and those fond of the water, with its pontoon beer garden serving as a space to moor up kayaks, paddleboards and boats. -Credit:St Austell Brewery

The Pandora Inn is available for running from St Austell Brewery from early 2025. The pub will close in January for redecoration with a view to reopening in February. Find out more about the Pandora Inn and its tenancy here.

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