Short answer: The best pubs in Looe are the Jolly Sailor in West Looe (built around 1516, according to the Cornish Times), Ye Olde Salutation on Fore Street for low beams, Ye Old Grog and Ale House for real ale and cider, and the Globe Inn opposite the station for groups. Most welcome dogs, so ask on arrival.
The best pubs in Looe are split across a river. Cross to West Looe and you reach a pub that has been standing since around 1516. Stay on the East Looe quay and you get low beams, locals at the bar and a view of the boats. Here is how the main ones differ, so you can pick by mood rather than just by the nearest door.
That is The Jolly Sailor Inn, in Princes Square on the Looe river's west bank. The Cornish Times described it in October 2025 as Looe's oldest pub, built around 1516. Google gives it 4.6 from 1,099 reviews. One reviewer called it "the quieter, nicer side of Looe" and a good stop on the riverside walk, and several single out the Sunday roast served in a very large Yorkshire pudding.
Two practical notes. First, the Visit Looe listing says it hosts live music, quiz nights and themed nights through the year, and a visitor reports a shanty band on Thursday evenings with audience participation, so ask what is on and book a table if you want to eat. Second, dogs are welcome according to Visit Looe, and one family emailed ahead to book a table for four and a dog. The Campaign for Real Ale listing names Dartmoor Jail Ale, Sharp's Doom Bar and St Austell Tribute as the regulars, with a guest ale that may be reduced in winter.
4.5 from 570 Google reviews. A traditional pub with a beamed bar and a slate floor, and CAMRA lists an open fire in winter, a rear family room and a garden. Reviewers describe old-school landlords, well-kept beer and live music on some nights, and CAMRA lists traditional music at weekends. It has a locals' feel, so go in with a friendly hello. CAMRA lists Sharp's Doom Bar and St Austell Tribute as regulars, with a changing guest, though not every ale is on in winter.
A newer listing with only 15 Google reviews (4.9), so treat the rating with care. What reviewers agree on is the decked area right next to the river, which is one of the better places in town to sit with a drink and watch the tide. Food is upstairs, according to reviewers.
On the West Looe side of the water and rated 4.2 from 1,064 Google reviews. CAMRA's listing describes a nautical, open-plan room with views of Looe Bridge and the harbour, food served at lunchtime and in the evening, and a family and dog friendly welcome. It adds that no real ale is served at present, so it is a pub for lager, sport on the TV and a bite rather than for cask beer.
Ye Old Grog and Ale House on Buller Street has only 47 Google reviews, but they are strong (4.8). CAMRA describes it as a quiet, dog friendly real ale pub with cider, placing it in a room of the old Sail Loft building on the quay, with ales served by gravity from the stillage behind the bar. Reviewers praise the cosy layout and the choice of ales and ciders. It is the kind of place you miss if you do not look into the lanes behind the quay.
Ye Olde Salutation Inn, known locally as the Sally, is on Fore Street (4.5 from 886 Google reviews). It has low beams and a traditional feel. Reviewers have eaten chicken and mushroom pie and fish and chips there, and say dogs sit at your feet. Food gets mixed comments, with some praising the pies and others finding the dishes not homemade, so go for the atmosphere first. At Christmas the pub is decorated heavily, and one reviewer said booking is a must.
Visit Looe says dogs are welcome at the Jolly Sailor, CAMRA lists the Grog and Ale House and the Harbour Moon as dog friendly, and reviewers report dogs at ease in the Salutation and the Globe Inn. Pubs change their rules for food service, so ask when you walk in. The main town beach is different: East Looe Beach does not allow dogs at any time of year except assistance dogs. Our dog-friendly Looe guide has the full picture.
The Globe Inn sits opposite Looe station on Station Road, in Shutta. Reviewers describe it as a spacious, family and dog friendly pub a short walk from the busiest part of East Looe, which makes it a useful stop for a large group. Reviewers mention live music, so it can be loud at times. It is rated 4.4 from 794 Google reviews. If you are travelling on the branch line, our Liskeard to Looe train day out shows how to build a car-free visit around it. Note that on the current GWR timetable (7 September to 12 December 2026) there are no Sunday trains after 8 November.
The Jolly Sailor and the Globe both have reviewers praising their roasts, and the Smugglers Cott carvery is the other name that comes up. Visit Looe says the Smugglers building dates to 1420 and that the 65-seat restaurant is known for local seafood, steaks and a carvery. We compare them properly in best Sunday roast in Looe.
Most of the pubs above stay open, but hours shrink and some ales drop off the bar, so check the day you plan to go. Look at what's open in Looe in winter before a special trip. New Year's Eve is the exception, when the pubs fill: New Year's Eve in Looe explains the fancy dress tradition and getting home.
Looe's best evening dining is in restaurants rather than pubs. The next page to read is date night in Looe, and the Looe town guide covers everything else. If you are heading along the coast, our best pubs in Polperro guide covers the harbour inns in the next village west.
The Jolly Sailor Inn in Princes Square, West Looe. The Cornish Times reported in October 2025 that it was built around 1516 and is Looe's oldest pub.
Visit Looe says dogs are welcome at the Jolly Sailor, CAMRA lists Ye Old Grog and Ale House and the Harbour Moon as dog friendly, and reviewers report dogs at the Salutation and the Globe Inn. Ask when you arrive, as rules can change at mealtimes.
Visit Looe says the Jolly Sailor hosts live music and themed nights, and a visitor reports a Thursday shanty band. CAMRA lists weekend live music at the Fishermans Arms. Ask what is on before you go.
The Globe Inn is opposite Looe station on Station Road. Reviewers describe it as spacious and good for groups.
Yes. CAMRA lists Dartmoor Jail Ale, Sharp's Doom Bar and St Austell Tribute as regulars at the Jolly Sailor, and Doom Bar and Tribute at the Fishermans Arms. Ye Old Grog and Ale House is a real ale and cider pub. The Harbour Moon is listed as serving no real ale at present.
Times, prices and dates are the businesses' and organisers' to change, so check before you travel. Spotted something we've got wrong? Tell us and we'll fix it.
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