The Harbour Inn, Helston

A large terraced St Austell pub and restaurant, which also does accommodation. It is spread over two buildings (one seemed like a cafe room, but i did not really see) with a large harbourside patio area. It is in plain stone, with rounded doorways and a couple of added upper bow windows. The main room is an L-shape, which is in white, red, wood panel and stone and really has a foody feel. I didn't eat so can't comment on that. The pictures on the walls were for sale and there is a display area, selling 'Proper Job' mugs etc. There was no TV that i saw and the music was general at a decent level. The service was OK and it was busy with diners and mainly tourists it seemed. Beer; usual tap stuff with St Austell's Tribute, HSD and Trelawny (fine) on handpull. Easily the most commercial of the three Porthleven pubs and the dullest - but still worth a pop in.

After a walk from Helston to Porthleven it was great to find a decent pint of HSD in this pub. They did have to change it as I believe I had the first one pulled off, and it was not quite right, but no problem. I got another and it was fine as were the other St Austell ales we had. Not wanting a large meal I had a lovely bowl of soup while the gents had bowls of chips. Clean and tidy pub busy on a fine day, but staff friendly and efficient.

A fairly large St Austell pub on the harbourside offering comfortable surroundings and a friendly atmosphere. On my visit, Tinners, Tribute and HSD were all on offer and in great condition. Fairly typical pub food on the menu, but good nonetheless. A Sunday carvery is on offer, with a choice of large plate and small plate. There didn't seem to be a vegetarian roast on offer though. There is also a large seating area alongside the harbour outside.

Harbour Inn pages at the St Austell brewery site - www.staustellbrewery.co.uk