The Engine Inn, Cripplesease, Penzance

An inviting looking, stone built, roadside inn, three miles out of St Ives, on the B3311 to Penzance. Given its rural setting, it’s not surprising to find out that the building was once a farmhouse and before that, a counting-house for a nearby tin mine. Internally, it has two rooms, a small, plain affair to the left and the more attractive main room, housing the bar. It features stone flooring, a low ceiling with exposed beams, olive green wainscoting lining the walls and a decent looking real fire for the colder months. Seating is a mix of traditional tables and chairs and the almost inevitable leather sofas. Overall, the feel is quite upmarket, borne out by the high end(ish) menu, which is priced accordingly. However, I was quite surprised to see a dartboard to the right of the bar, plus a pool table (admittedly pushed against the wall), which I suspect come more into their own in the tourist off-season. At the bar, the Cornish ‘big three’ brewers were represented by Proper Job, Betty Stoggs and Doombar on hand pump. The Proper Job was in decent condition, if a tad cold and maybe a little steep at £3.30 a pint. However, service from the two young barmen was friendly and attentive. There was a good early evening atmosphere when we called, with a healthy mixture of diners and those calling for just a drink. To the rear of the pub is a pleasant outdoor drinking area (complete with ‘boules’ pit), which offers fantastic views over the moors. Unfortunately, it was a little chilly on our visit, but I should imagine it’s wonderful on a warm summer’s evening. The Engine also holds regular music nights and offers accommodation. Worth a visit, if in the area.