Short answer: The best pubs in St Austell are the brewery's Hicks Bar (4.8 from 1,090 Google reviews), Charlestown's Pier House and Harbour Beer House for harbour views, and the Polgooth Inn (4.7 from 2,380) for a countryside pub. The Rashleigh Arms suits families, and the Rann Wartha is the budget Wetherspoon in town.
The best pubs in St Austell are not in the middle of St Austell. The town centre has a Wetherspoon and the brewery bar, but the pubs people drive for are down at Charlestown harbour, out at Polgooth and along the valley at Pentewan. That suits a town that is home to the brewery behind Tribute, Proper Job and Korev. This guide goes by what you want from the evening: a brewery pint, a harbour view, a dog-friendly corner, a roast or something quieter.
St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre & Hicks Bar on Trevarthian Road has 4.8 from 1,090 Google reviews, easily the best rated big venue in the town. The bar sits above the brewery shop. Reviewers praise the soups, chicken wings and nachos made with beer dips, and many rave about the guided tour, with tastings of every beer and a chance to pour your own. The brewery's page says tours run twice daily, six days a week, and asks you to book through its tour page. A reviewer said a tour had sold out, so do not turn up and hope. The bar serves hearty breakfasts, lunches and beer snacks, according to the brewery. Check its opening times before you go. If you are watching costs, see a St Austell day out for £50.
The Rann Wartha is the town's Wetherspoon, with 4.0 from 2,181 Google reviews. Reviewers describe cheap drinks, quick food and an outdoor area, and note the toilets are downstairs, which matters if you have a wheelchair or buggy. It keeps long hours, so it is the right pub when you want something simple near the shops.
Charlestown has several places to drink within a few minutes' walk of each other, and that is where visitors should spend the evening. A reviewer mentions historic ships in the dock. 360 Cornwall says parking charges apply at the harbour car park, which is a short walk away.
Pier House Hotel has 4.5 from 1,561 Google reviews, and reviewers like the outdoor seating overlooking the harbour. They mention Hicks on tap, catch of the day plaice, fish and chips, king prawn linguine and mussels. Reviewers say booking is wise in the season.
Rashleigh Arms has 4.3 from 2,357 Google reviews and is the better option for families. A reviewer was handed highchairs and drawing materials without asking, another praised the Sunday beef and pork, and a third noted the service stayed quick with a five month old. The catch, from a guest who stayed in the accommodation across the road: the walk between the pub and that building involves steps and a steep hill, and the car park in between is uneven. Our Sunday roast guide covers the roast in detail.
Harbour Beer House is the small, young pub of the group, with 4.5 from 135 Google reviews. It is a joint venture between St Austell Brewery and Harbour Brewing Co, on the site of the old Harbourside Inn, and it was announced in 2024. Reviewers like that every beer on tap is brewed in the area, that there is a zero percent draught beer, and that pizza is made on site (a hot honey pizza gets two mentions). Reviewers call it dog friendly, and mention a Thursday artisan fair and a live band. Opening hours are shorter on weekdays than at weekends, so check before you go.
Reviewers describe dogs being welcome at Harbour Beer House, at The Boathouse (a restaurant at the harbour with 4.6 from 1,051 Google reviews, where a reviewer sat a dog quietly in a corner), at Polgooth Inn and at the Pentewan Ship Inn. Always ask on arrival, and expect restaurant areas to have different rules. The 360 Cornwall page for Charlestown says dogs are allowed in the harbour area all year.
Polgooth Inn at Polgooth has 4.7 from 2,380 Google reviews, the best rated big pub in the area. Reviewers praise burnt ends, good portions, a terrace view over the valley, a good choice of low and no alcohol beers, and dog friendliness. It also offers shepherd's hut accommodation. It is a short drive from the town, so plan a driver or a taxi. The Pentewan Valley Trail connects the valley to Pentewan, where Ship Inn has 4.5 from 1,483 Google reviews. Reviewers like its smashed burgers, huge portions, low and no alcohol beers and outdoor seating, and one reviewer who visited on 1 August 2026 called the service excellent. One other reviewer calls the value only fair. If you carry on down the valley, our Mevagissey winter guide covers the next village.
Holmbush Inn on Holmbush Road has 4.3 from 1,657 Google reviews and is known for its carvery. A reviewer said staff went out of their way to entertain children. Another was told the carvery had finished when they arrived, so go earlier in the service rather than later.
All of these are year round pubs rather than seasonal beach bars, but opening days and kitchen hours vary. Phone for Sunday food and for any Christmas bookings. For things to do before or after, see St Austell in the rain and the St Austell guide.
Hicks Bar at the St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre has 4.8 from 1,090 Google reviews, and the Polgooth Inn just outside town has 4.7 from 2,380.
Reviewers mention dogs welcome at Harbour Beer House and the Boathouse in Charlestown, the Polgooth Inn and the Ship Inn at Pentewan. Ask on arrival, because a review is not a policy.
The brewery says tours run twice daily, six days a week, and asks you to book through its tour page or by phone.
Charlestown has the Pier House Hotel, Rashleigh Arms and Harbour Beer House within a short walk of the harbour, and the Boathouse restaurant.
The Rann Wartha is a Wetherspoon in the town centre, and reviewers describe the food and drink as cheap and quickly served.
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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