Pub of the month - February 2023
W ith the waves of the new year rolling in, why not book a coastal retreat for the summer ahead? Perched above St Ives Bay, the Pedn Olva is the perfect escape from the everyday.
Wash away the winter blues and dive into 2023 with our pub of the month.
St Ives is the glistening jewel in Cornwall’s crown – with its golden sands, maze of narrow cobbled streets, and independent boutiques, there’s so much to explore in this renowned harbour. Whether you take to the waves or prefer to take things a little slower, make St Ives your own.
From bijou boltholes to sea view suites, the Pedn Olva is the perfect base for exploring all Cornwall has to offer. Plan your getaway and let the countdown begin to an unforgettable summer of picture-perfect memories.
ENJOY A FEAST ABOVE THE SEA
You’ll find delicious dishes year-round at the Pedn Olva, created with local suppliers and seasonal ingredients in mind. And, with summer right around the corner, we’ll be refreshing our menu in time for your retreat to the Cornish sunshine.
Perched on the cliffs above the bay, the Pedn Olva is certainly one of the most spectacular places to eat in St Ives. Watch the sunset while you reminisce on the day’s adventure; it doesn’t get better than this.
Washed down with one of our award-winning ales, or perhaps something from our wine list, connect with friends and family in one of the most stunning settings. Footsteps away, drift into a deep slumber with the ebb and flow of the ocean below.
W e had a gorgeous lunch last week, food was delicious and the views are spectacular, we even spotted seals in the turquoise waters. Highly recommended and we can’t wait to return.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST
Before becoming the tourist hotspot you see today, St Ives was a small fishing and mining town, which in 1830 had around 5,000 inhabitants. During the 18th century, the North Wheal
Providence, also known as the Pednolver mine, excavated copper ore from an adit running westwards from Pedn Olva Point towards St Ives. The mine, owned by a consortium of several wealthy local families, was worked, extended, and developed from 1822, until 1861 when funds had been drained. Despite another company taking over operations, the mine was liquidated in 1873 and the engine house that stood at Pedn Olva Point was re-purposed into an artist’s studio. It has since been used by several renowned St Ives school painters, including Christopher Wood, Louis Grier, A Moulton Foweraker, and Thomas Millie Dow. It was demolished in the early 20th century and its staircase was incorporated into the Pedn Olva pub you see today.
The present-day building may have begun life as the counting house for the mine; once mining failed, it was extended and became a private residence of a retired chief officer of the coastguard service, Charles Martin.
The house was converted into a hotel in 1927 by Morton Roach. Described in 1930 as a ‘small private hotel combining all the comforts of a well-appointed English home’, the hotel had ‘direct access to the bathing rocks and beach from the garden.’ The Pedn Olva passed to Roach’s family upon his death in 1929 until 1949 when it was sold to Mrs M Mason –the property was purchased by St Austell Brewery 50 years later.
The need for tourist accommodation in St Ives quickly escalated during the latter part of the 19th century due to the introduction of the branch railway line from St Erth in 1877. The expansion of tourism in the 20th century can be gauged by the number of hotels in town – in 1830 there were 18 pubs and two hotels in town, but by 1932 the Pedn Olva was one of 20 hotels in St Ives.
Did you know? The rocks at Pedn Olva have seen many shipwrecks over the years and the hotel continues to be a registered navigational mark for ships today.
PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE
It’s no wonder St Ives is renowned across the globe. With its turquoise waters and golden sand beaches, it’s a quintessential Cornish retreat. The town has long been home to artists, and you’ll find a fantastic display of local talents throughout – from the Barbara Hepworth Museum and the Tate St Ives to independent boutiques brimming with up-and-coming artists. Pay a visit to The Leach Pottery and make your own piece of art as a memento of your trip.
If you’re looking for a little more action, St Ives will not disappoint. Take to the waves at Porthmeor, or for a year-round dog-friendly option head just around the corner to the Towans. This stretch of the South West coastal path promises challenging terrain combined with spectacular views of North Cornwall, making it the perfect hiking spot with plenty of routes to keep you entertained.
While St Ives claims the title as one of the most popular destinations in Cornwall, you can easily escape to quieter corners or embrace the hustle and bustle of the town. Make it your summer staycation destination for 2023.
WHAT'S ON IN ST IVES?
Not sure when to visit? Plan your trip around one of these events and get involved with the local community.
St Ives Feast Day - 6th February
Embrace this long-standing Cornish tradition with celebrations throughout the day to commemorate the consecration of the Parish Church of St Eia in 1434. It offers a rare chance to watch the game of Hurling the Silver Ball, a centuries-old form of rugby.
Art Adventurers Town Trail - Until 28th February
Perfect for the little ones, the art adventurer’s town trail allows them the opportunity to discover more about the artists of St Ives. Make marks on the beach, explore a hidden garden, and find patterns in nature in the journey to becoming your own artist.
DRAW St Ives - 2nd March
Make your own unique souvenir. Walk away with several stunning sketches of St Ives as you join Pete Giles on this informal art session around the town.
Voodoo Room: Hendrix, Clapton & Cream - 3rd March
Celebrating the incredible music of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Cream, enjoy jaw-dropping riffs and epic solos from Voodoo Room in the St Ives Guildhall. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the greats and experience the thrill as if you had been there.
St Ives Food & Drink Festival - 12th – 4th May
A culinary highlight in Cornwall’s vibrant calendar, the St Ives Food & Drink Festival celebrates the very best of local produce. Spread across three days, enjoy a range of activities from demos and workshops to music and street food.
PACK YOUR HIKING BOOTS
The coast path to Zennor
One of the most spectacular stretches of the South West Coast Path - if you walk just a few miles of the 630-mile path, make it this one. Picking up the route from Porthmeor Beach, begin your journey toward Zennor along the rugged coastline. A challenging walk at just under two hours, be sure to pause to admire the stunning scenery while you catch your breath.
You can easily extend this walk by following the inland path back to St Ives, also known as the ‘Coffin Path’ – the route of many local villagers’ final journey to St Senara’s Church – or hop on the bus to recharge at the Pedn Olva.
St Michael's Way
One of the more popular walks in St Ives, St Michael’s Way is a 12-mile path across the width of Cornwall based on old overland routes taken by pilgrims. Pass through ancient woodland and discover holy wells all before reaching the giant’s castle – St Michael’s Mount.
There’s plenty to uncover on this micro-pilgrimage, but you’ll definitely want to fuel yourself first. Tuck into a delicious hearty breakfast at the Pedn Olva before winding your way toward Penzance. Just around the corner from your finish line lies Mousehole; the Ship Inn is the ideal spot to while away the evening hours after completing your walk, or why not refresh with a quick dip in the harbour?
Knill's Monument
If you don’t have a full day to spend exploring the coastal path, Knill’s Monument is a fantastic alternative offering stunning views of St Ives below. The 50ft monument was originally built to serve as a mausoleum by the town’s eccentric mayor, John Knill, however, it never fulfilled this purpose. The monument now stands as a lasting legacy to John Knill, alongside a quinquennial ceremony established in 1801 - the tradition continues to this day.
To reach the peak, head towards Carbis Bay. You’ll see the Cornish Arms about a mile from the town centre, take the road next to the pub (Steeple Lane) and carry on for another half a mile until you reach the monument. While it’s a relatively short walk, there are some steep sections.
TAKE THE BACK ROADS
Discover the ultimate road trip and take on the South West 660 this summer. The A30 may be the obvious choice for your journey, but instead, take the back rounds and discover north Cornwall’s wilder side.
The rugged coastline is perfectly suited for surfers and keen explorers, while foodies and boutique browsers will equally find plenty to enjoy on this stretch of the SW660. Skirt around St Ives Bay before wiggling your way down to St Agnes and Perranporth, taking in the stunning views as you go, stretching out across the horizon. Take a pitstop in surfer’s haven, Newquay – drop into the Fort Inn for a lunchtime spot unparalleled in the bustling town or continue straight onto Padstow.
Looking for a place to stay on the next stretch? Recharge at the Old Custom House, a home away from home.
STAY WITH US
We’re offering you an exclusive 10% discount for stays at the Pedn Olva, booked in February. Use the code ‘PUB10’ to redeem and escape to the Cornwall’s glistening jewel, St Ives.
* All bookings must be made before February 28th. Only available for use on bookings made before June 18th at the Pedn Olva.