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The Kettle 'n' Wink Bar @ The Western Hotel, St. Ives
St. Ives
TR26 2ND
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 5 of 10) see review guidelines
Ian Mapp left this review about The Kettle 'n' Wink Bar @ The Western Hotel
Cellar bar in the Best Western Hotel. Plenty of history about smugglers written on a sign at the front. We entered and instantly bemused by the heavy metal music at a very high volume. I guess this was the barman's choice but not exactly conducive to a pleasant experience. We were there for a pint, and I know my music. If I told you that Back in Black was the only song I recognised, you can guess how esoteric the rest of the playlist was.
Low ceilings, pictures of either old regulars (or murder victims, if you believe Mrs M) on the walls.
I noticed Proper Job on Cask and asked for that. I hadnt seen it on keg, and that was what I got.
Two other customers.
Strange place.
On 4th January 2026
- rating: 4
[User has posted 1751 recommendations about 1724 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
aleand hearty left this review about Kettle N Wink Bar (Western Hotel)
As the hotel bar of the Western Hotel, the Kettle & Wink is a small, square shaped one roomer. Its low ceilinged, basic interior is perhaps more pub like than you’d expect, with a rather lived in feel. Wall benches line the room, along with a scattering of traditional tables and chairs. Walls are decidedly plain, with only the occasional group of historical photos and sketches of musicians providing any real adornment. A dartboard, to the left of the bar, adds to the pub ambiance. (The corridor to the right of the bar contains a small recess and leads to an enclosed beer garden at the rear.)
The bar has four hand pumps, with two allotted to Tribute and one each for Trelawny and Proper Job.. Opting for the latter two, they were in reasonable nick, if not the freshest. Unfortunately, they were served a tad cold, which probably didn’t help their cause. However, service from the young barman was friendly and quietly efficient and there was a good early evening atmosphere when I called. Surprisingly, it felt more of a locals bar than one for the tourists judging by the steady stream of punters.
The Kettle has a good reputation for a variety of live music and draws some surprisingly large names, but the barman warned me that the room can get pretty rammed when popular artists are playing.
Overall, I quite liked the place; despite some reservations about beer quality. It struck me as one of those unassuming places that gradually improve the more you visit. A good chance I’ll call again next time I’m in St Ives.
On 28th September 2011
- rating: 6
[User has posted 709 recommendations about 689 pubs]