Star Inn, Crowlas

This old roadside pub right on the A30 near Penzance could be easily missed on the drive west, which would be a pity as it is a mecca for real ale in the area. It is home to the Penzance Brewery, and as well as being the Cornwall CAMRA Pub of the Year of 2013 won the title twice in succession, in 2007 and 2008. The spacious drinking area houses a long bar sporting several handpumps, all of which dispense ever-changing real ales, always from the pub's own brewhouse at the side. There is a separate raised seating area, space for the pool table, and a cosy lounge area with leather sofas and chairs, and an adjacent meeting room. This is largely a beer-drinkers' local where conversation is the main entertainment; there are no noisy machines, music or TV to distract, although local radio might play in the background at times. A good bus service (including coaches to London) passes the door - best to come by bus, as you will linger a while!