Pub of the month - September 2022

This month, we’re featuring the Lifeboat Inn – the perfect place to enjoy this iconic town, set in the very centre of St Ives. And, with the crowds of summer beginning to disperse, September is the ideal time to plan your visit.

Whether it’s a romantic retreat, a chance to reconnect with family, or a solo staycation, a stay at the Lifeboat Inn allows you to make the very most of this picture-perfect coastal town. Adventure around the breath-taking north coast before sinking into a window seat, watching the waves roll in over a pint – or two.

 Get to know the team, meet Becky

• What’s your role at the Lifeboat Inn?  

I’m the General Manager.  

• What do you enjoy the most about your role? 

I love meeting new people and creating experiences for our guests in the pub and our hotel.  

• How do you spend your free time in the local area? 

I have four daughters that keep me busy when I’m not at work, so when we can get some time together, we enjoy going to the beach. 

• Do you have a must-visit spot in the area? 

Enjoy the beaches, visit the Tate and the town’s museum, which is great for learning more about the history of St Ives.  

• What’s your favourite dish on the menu? 

The vegetable laksa is my favourite dish. 

• Finally, can you sum up the Lifeboat Inn in 3 words?

Cosy, welcoming, iconic. 

Tuck into delicious dishes by the coast

With its central location, the Lifeboat Inn provides visitors with spectacular views across the harbour – it’s the ideal spot to put your feet up after exploring the maze of cobbled streets that make up St Ives. Whether there’s a storm on the horizon or gorgeous Cornish sunshine, watch the waves roll into the bay with your tipple of choice in tow. 

Adventuring with your canine companion? We welcome four-legged friends with open paws – find all the doggy necessities to freshen up after exploring the north coast and why not stay the night for a little extra TLC? 

Refreshed seasonally, our menu showcases locally sourced ingredients used in harmony to create reimagined much-loved pub classics, alongside a selection of mouth-watering sweet treats. Staying the night? Kick-start your day with a breakfast feast, from your favourite full English to plates stacked high with pancakes.  

While you may want to skip the breakfast pint, a trip to the Lifeboat Inn wouldn’t be complete without sampling a true taste of Cornwall with a pint from St Austell Brewery. Find your perfect match, from our flagship Tribute pale ale to the richly flavoured Mena Dhu – there’s a brew for everyone.  

Step back in time

Lifeboat crews in St Ives have been saving lives at sea since 1839, during that time the members of the crew have received 33 medals for gallantry. The station is still operational today, with a Shannon class all-weather and D-class inshore lifeboat on site.  

Just opposite, the Lifeboat Inn first opened for business on May Day in 1964 – its capacity, the newspaper reported, was 300. The building had originally been constructed as a fish cellar and salting house but was converted into the Harbour Sale and Auction Room in 1883 before the lease was purchased by St Austell Brewery in 1963.  

Using natural materials, the building was transformed into an inn, in a ‘very sensible fashion’ by the architectural practice of Cowell, Drewitt, and Wheatley of Penzance.  

In 1966, just a few years after its opening, the inn was the at the centre of a mods vs rockers ‘common law riot’ which became national news. The newspaper noted that the Lifeboat was ‘disorderly and ill conducted’ and that ‘400 to 500 people… from the Liverpool area’ took part in the riot. The defence in Court added, ‘St Ives was known for its fishermen, and then for its artists. Now, people up and down the country associate it with beatniks.’ The license was renewed despite strong objections from the town council and an appeal was put out to local people to ‘not employ, accommodate or associate in any way with this “undesirable element”’. 

The business was extended into an adjoining restaurant in 1998, a year after the brewery bought the freehold and today, the reputation is quite the opposite to its former unruly state.  

Plan your adventure

Find out why St Ives is so regarded as the jewel in Cornwall’s crown. Beloved by the nation, the seaside town has been voted the best holiday destination in the UK on several occasions and upon arriving, it’s certainly not hard to see why. Whether you want to browse the boutiques or feel the soft sand between your toes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this little haven on the coast.  

With picture-perfect moments around every corner, explore the rugged north coast before retreating to the Lifeboat Inn for a little R&R. Bring your four-legged friend along for the ride, and explore some of the local dog-friendly beaches whilst in the area, our favourite being Porthkidney Sands. 

From romantic retreats to family getaways, to solo staycations, St Ives is the perfect retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of city living. It’s a real Cornish gem, and a must-visit this September. 

What's on?

Not sure when to visit? Plan your trip around one of these events and get involved with the local community. 

St Ives September Festival – 10th – 24th September 

Two weeks jam-packed full of music, arts, and poetry by the sea. The St Ives September festival sees creatives from across the region and beyond come together, showcasing their talents. This year’s main attractions include an opening night appearance in the Guildhall by folk-rock legend Lindisfarne – and whilst this event has already sold out, there is plenty more to enjoy across the fortnight.  

Late at Tate – 23rd September 

Set overlooking Porthmeor Beach, the Tate St Ives holds host to a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year and is always worth a visit when in the area. With late at Tate, you can experience something a little different – meet with friends and enjoy live music, talks and films in celebration of Ad Minoliti’s Biosfera Peluche / Biosphere Plush.  

St Ives Farmers’ Market – every Thursday, throughout the year 

Showcasing the best of local Cornish producers, it’s hard to resist this bountiful offering week on week. Take a little slice of St Ives home with you, whether it be freshly-baked sourdough, a fantastic cut of lamb, or a black of locally produced cheese – there’s a variety on offer. 

Throwing Taster Session – 23rd September, 8th October, 18th November and the 16th December 

Learn how to throw on a potter’s wheel in the historic setting of Leach Pottery. With the capacity capped to just 5, you’ll have dedicated instruction to lead you through the experience – plus, you’ll walk away with a unique memory in the form of your own pot! 

St Anta Film Club – 7th, monthly 

Join this friendly monthly film club for the evening. Bring your favourite movie snacks and sit back for a mini-cinema experience, with both new releases and classics on show throughout the year – perhaps you’ll discover a new go-to! 

Pack your hiking boots

The coastal path to Zennor

If you walk just one section of the 630 miles of the South West’s coastal path, make it this part. While this is one of the more demanding walks in St Ives clocking in at six miles one-way, it’s certainly worth it for the spectacular views and historical landmarks on route.  

Begin your adventure at the Lifeboat Inn, fuelling up with a hearty meal before heading out to Porthmeor Beach and up the rugged coastal path towards Zennor. Look out for the ‘Man Rock’, Clodgy Point ruins, and Seal Island along your way, and refresh with an ice cream stop at The Moomaid in Zennor before jumping on the bus back, or looping round to complete the inland ‘Coffin Path’ home.  

St Michael's Way

Tackle this mini-Cornish pilgrimage, taking you from coast-to-coast. Pick up the trail at Carbis Bay and embark on a 10-mile hike across towards Marazion where you’ll gaze upon the famous St Michael’s Mount. On your way, you’ll pass ancient stones, holy wells, and lost miracles – the route being the only British pilgrimage that is officially part of the European Cultural Route, a leg of the Camino to Santiago! 

Pack a picnic to enjoy on your arrival to the famous mount, before heading back to St Ives by bus, just in time for sunset over the bay. Watch with a pint in hand and recount the journey you’ve taken in the day – if you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the sea too for the ultimate refresh.  

Knill's Monument Loop

Don’t have a full day to hike? Why not head up to Knill’s Monument for gorgeous 360-views – just make sure to bring your camera! While shorter in length, there are some steep sections so be sure to bring refreshments for the summit.  

Elongate your walk with a wander through Steeple Woodland – a stunning Nature Reserve for you to explore, with a variety of trails leading to little glades and clearings. Loop back round via the Pedn Olva for a well-deserved drink and walk along the bay you’ve just seen from afar before making your way back into the town centre.  

Make it a road trip

Continue your exploration of Cornwall. Rather than hopping on the A30 to speed away, take the South West 660 and go slow, discovering unmissable views and new experiences all while avoiding the traffic of the main road.  

The ninth section of this incredible road trip, you’ll drive from St Ives to your next stop, Padstow. Hug the coastline, driving past the spectacular Bedruthan Steps, surfers’ paradise Newquay and, if you fancy escaping the crowds completely, head slightly inland to Carn Brea.  

Need somewhere to stay? Head to the Old Custom House in Padstow and extend your stay in the region – or why not take on the whole South West 660?  

Book your escape

We’re offering you an exclusive 10% discount for stays at the Lifeboat Inn, booked in September. Use the code ‘PUB10’ to redeem and escape to the picturesque coastal town of St Ives.   

* All bookings must be made before the 30th of September. Only available for use on stays made before the 18th March at the Lifeboat Inn.