Some say watching a football match in the pub is better than being in the stadium itself – and judging by the excitement building in local pubs, we’d have to agree. 

St Austell Brewery’s pubs are going football crazy over the next few weeks as the country gears up for the biggest sporting event of the year, the 2010 World Cup. 

The footie frenzy takes place from June 11 and there’s loads going on in the Brewery’s pubs across the county. 

Linda Prior holds many of St Austell Brewery’s records. She was the first woman in the company’s history to hold a sole manager and the Brewery’s first and only landlady of the Old Custom House in Padstow. 

But this year Linda is celebrating her proudest achievement - being named the award-winning Brewery’s longest serving pub manager as she marks 30 years at the helm. 

An old beer cellar beneath St Austell Brewery’s successful visitor centre has been converted into a shop – providing a fantastic new 200sq m area dedicated to selling wines, beers, branded gifts and clothing. 

The conversion and new shop has enabled the Brewery’s visitor centre to expand its successful Hicks Bar, which can now cater for 75 diners and is open to the public throughout the day. 

Popular local pub The Old Smithy, in Ivybridge, has had a makeover – and it’s now a lighter, brighter place to drink. 

The traditional village-style pub, in Fore Street, has been transformed to make it more vibrant and welcoming. It’s had a lick of paint and new fixtures and fittings. 

The work is a significant investment from St Austell Brewery, at a time when some other local pubs are closing. 

Landlord Rob Penny said: “I’d like to thank all our locals for bearing with us while the work’s been going on. 

“We’re delighted with the results and the pub is a great addition to Ivybridge. We’re looking forward to welcoming customers new and old.”