A high-flying London accountant has traded the city for the good life in Cornwall, where he has taken the helm at one of the county’s most photographed pubs. 

Matthew Penhaligon, son of the much-loved Cornish MP David Penhaligon and former leader of Restormel Borough Council Annette Egerton, pulled his first pint at the Cornish Arms in Hayle on Thursday. 

“It’s very much a lifestyle choice for me,” said Matthew, 38. “I’m delighted to be home and to have a great job here. It’s notoriously difficult to find work in Cornwall – particularly when you’ve been a corporate accountant for so many years. 

“St Austell Brewery is a fantastic local business which has been doing very well, and I’m really looking forward to working alongside them promoting Cornish food and drink.” 

The Cornish Arms is Matthew’s first hands-on experience in the catering trade, and he says he chose Hayle because of its community feel. 

“My vision of a pub is somewhere at the heart of the community,” said Matthew, himself a former Restormel Borough Councillor for St Ewe. “Pubs should be about food and beer, but also have a strong community aspect – and Hayle is the ideal place for that. 

“The Cornish Arms has a countywide reputation and I’ve been given a very warm welcome. I’m excited, mixed in with a great deal of trepidation, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.” 

The pub, on Commercial Road, is renowned for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and its summer flower display, which makes it one of the most photographed pubs in Cornwall. 

Adam Luck, Estate Director for St Austell Brewery, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matthew into the Brewery family and wish him every luck in his new career.”