Built before the Spanish Armada in 1588, it is not known exactly when the Minerva first became an inn. However, it is recognised as the oldest pub in Plymouth. It boasts a fine leaded window, picturesque lantern and a curious wooden spiral staircase made from the mast of a captured Spanish galleon. Live music is staged on Thursday (jam session) to Sunday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes. It is within easy walking distance from the city centre and historic Barbican. Occasional beer festivals also feature. Up to three guest ales supplement the regular ale, Tribute. These could include a beer from Black Sheep, Dartmoor, Salcombe, Summerskills and Timothy Taylor.
An Annual Loyalty Discount Card may be purchased by all customers to use Monday to Friday between 1100 and 1600 on live beers (£12.00).
Historic Interest
Grade-II listed 25/1/54, interior and exterior listed. List Entry No 138 6206, Legacy System No 473590. 2 merchants' houses, now public house. Late C16 or early C17. Stucco on timber-framed jettied front; steep dry slate roofs, the left-hand roof half-hipped and the other roof (No.32) with front gable projecting and carried on moulded brackets and with central turned pendant; rendered stacks: one on the left and lateral stack to rear right. Deep U-shaped plan including rear wings with fronts end on to the street. EXTERIOR: 4 storeys with upper floor partly in roof space and 1st and 2nd floors jettied; each front a 1-window range: No.31 with C20 horned sashes, 1st and 3rd floor sashes with glazing bars; No.32 with 2-light casements with glazing bars to 1st and 2nd floors off-centre to right and 3-light casement to centre of gable. Ground floor has early C19 shopfront with fascia and narrow pilasters; No.32 has fascia over shop window with group of 3 late C19 horned sashes. INTERIOR: described in former list description as having pole staircase in each; No.31 with small section of C16/C17 panelling on the stairs and said to contain part of a late C16 plaster ceiling. Part of a significant group of C17 and C18 houses. No.31 listed on 01/05/75. (The Buildings of England: Pevsner N: Devon: London: 1989-: 664).
This Pub serves 2 changing beers and 1 regular beer.
Minerva Inn, Plymouth
Changing beers typically include: Dartmoor - Jail Ale , Salcombe - Lifesaver , Summerskills (varies)
Source: National