50 Coinagehall Street
Helston
TR13 8EL
01326 562821
Back in the 1970s the Blue Anchor in Helston was one of only four home-brew pubs remaining in the the UK and it is the only one of the four never to have stopped brewing. Now of course with the influence of Camra and the more recent craft beer boom there are hundreds of home-brew pubs and bars.
It’s a solidly traditional 18th century granite pub with a thatched roof (photo 1) and an unspoilt interior. A flagstone passageway (photo 2) divides the pub in two, with the slate floored main bar (photo 3) and the rear snug to the right. On the left are three other small rooms including the front snug with its old stone fireplace (photo 5). Conversation is the main thing here and you get a real feeling of having stepped back in time.
The ‘Spingo’ ale mentioned on the pub sign (photo 7) is not one beer but all their beers, which usually include Flora Daze (4% abv), Jubilee (4.5%), Middle (5%) and Special (6.6%). Also available is Ben’s Stout, usually in bottle only. The 19th century brewhouse is up a flight of stairs at the end of the passageway and you can visit it, though it’s probably best to phone first (photo 6). The oak mash tun is said to have fallen off a boat in the early 1900s. Next to the brewhouse is the skittle alley.
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