The Peruvian Arms, Penzance

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Roger Button left this review about The Peruvian Arms

A small, simplistic back street local's pub that we stumbled on almost by accident. It will never win any awards for décor or architecture but more than makes up for things with its friendly welcome from both the staff, regulars and Louis the rather soppy pub dog. We arrived to find a lively but sensible and light hearted debate among the bar flies which far more interesting than anything we heard from the meatheads who frequent some of the neighbouring establishments. Some posing questions were displayed on a blackboard which suggests that the place is frequented by some of the towns more intellectual characters. The interior is divided into 2 rooms, a plain and simple no thrills main bar with built in seating and a selection of books and games piled up in a corner. A side room contains a dart board and pool table. 2 ales available Sharps Own and Keltek Magik, both of which were not frequently found during my week's sojourn to the area. The Magik was on special offer at £2 a pint so no complaints here!

The pubs main claim to fame was its ingenious bid to get round the smoking ban by applying to the Peruvian Government for diplomatic status. The pub was established by a miner who made his fortune in Peru (hence the pub's name) but sadly their application was turned down despite the pub's promise to sing the Peruvian National Anthem every night and buy a pet Llama. It made headlines across the world but the place does still remain a nicotine free zone although the locals will happily tell the story all night if you ask about it!

I found the place to be a bit of a pleasant surprise package and well worth a visit, unless you are a non-smoking Peruvian diplomat.

On 26^th March 2009 - rating: 7
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