The Kettle 'n' Wink Bar @ The Western Hotel, St. Ives

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.

Official site of the Western Hotel - www.westernhotel-stives.co.uk

Official site of the Western Hotel - www.westernhotel-stives.co.uk