Admiral Benbow Penzance, Cornwall
The Admiral Benbow in Penzance, Cornwall, houses a captivating collection of maritime artefacts and wreckage from numerous shipwrecks that have occurred along the Cornish coast over the past 400 years.
Credit: Admiral Benbow
Many of these treasures are integrated into the building itself.
The Captain’s Cabin restaurant is an intriguing recreation of a period ship’s deck, featuring an impressive stern plate from a Portuguese Man O’ War.
The Lady Hamilton lounge showcases a magnificent cannon and several salvaged ship figureheads.
The upstairs bars offer extensive views over Penzance harbour towards St Michael’s Mount - an iconic rocky island crowned by a medieval church and castle.
As one of the oldest drinking establishments in Penzance, The Admiral Benbow has been around since the 17th century.
Legend has it that Robert Louis Stevenson visited Penzance in 1880 after traveling in America.
He had conceived an idea for a book titled "Treasure Island" but had not yet determined the starting point for the story.
A visit to the Benbow, then an illegal drinking den and a hub for smugglers, is said to have further inspired him.
As a nod to the pub, he included its name in "Treasure Island," which first appeared in 1881.
The pub has continued to attract notable visitors, including Gregory Peck, the Rolling Stones, and celebrity chef Rick Stein, who filmed a segment of his TV series on Cornwall here.
Today, The Admiral Benbow offers a variety of beers, wines, and spirits, including an excellent selection of Cornish ales and fine wines from around the world.
The restaurant features a full menu with a variety of dishes, including local seafood and options for vegetarian diners. Daily specials are also available.
Someone who recently visited the pub this year said: “Found this gem wandering about then read previous reviews.
”It didn't disappoint they were very busy but managed to squeeze us in, my partner had the fish and chips and I chose the Piggly Wiggly pizza.
”It was excellent can't fault it at all. The atmosphere , decor and friendly and accommodating staff were excellent Would highly recommend.”
Penzance itself is the largest town in West Cornwall, famous as an ancient market town and historic port.
Its status as a Borough was granted in 1614 by King James I, enabling it to govern its legal matters independently of the County Courts.
Over the centuries, Penzance flourished thanks to lucrative trade in fish with Europe and tin sourced from nearby mines.
Check out more photos of the popular pub below, taken from their official website.
If you’d like to visit, the address is: 46 Chapel St, Penzance TR18 4AF.
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