Pub of the month - August 2022
F almouth is certainly not one to be missed on your tour of Cornwall, with its bustling high street, glorious sandy beaches, and vibrant events calendar. And, with Falmouth Week soon to kick off, it’s only fitting that our pub of the month for August is the Chain Locker.
Celebrate in style and join in with the local community’s annual festivities, before enjoying a little R&R just a stone’s throw away from our boutique bolthole rooms overlooking the sea.
Forming part of the historic quayside, the Chain Locker is the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine – while away the hours with a pint of Tribute, or perhaps our latest Cask Club release, and watch the boats sail in. The picture-perfect location is the ideal launchpad to make the very most of your time in what has affectionately come to be known as ‘Falifornia’ to locals and visitors alike.
GET TO KNOW THE TEAM, MEET LUCY
- What’s your role at the Chain Locker?
Team Leader and Social Media Champion.
- What do you enjoy the most about your role?
It’s very fast-paced at the Chain Locker, no day is the same here. It’s always lovely to chat to the locals and tourists when you can!
- How do you spend your free time in the local area?
I love wild swimming throughout the year. It’s so good for your mental well-being and I promise you’ll never regret a swim!
- Do you have a must-visit spot in the area?
Hiring a boat on Custom House Quay! You can explore around the bay and up the Helford. Maybe end the day down at the Pandora with a pint or two.
- What’s your favourite dish on the menu?
I absolutely love the Prawn Laska! Can’t beat some scampi and chips either.
- Finally, can you sum up the Chain Locker in 3 words?
One big family!
DINE OVERLOOKING THE HISTORIC HARBOUR
The Chain Locker offers one of the most spectacular views of Falmouth, spanning out over the harbour across to Flushing. With ample seating available, you can dine come rain or shine. Yet, with the August heatwave rolling in, you’ll want to take advantage of the Cornish sun on the waterfront.
With the menu refreshed seasonally, you’ll find summer delights including a chicken and apricot terrine, Malaysian laksa, and market fish alongside much-loved pub classics. Satisfy every craving with a range of dishes, from breakfast treats to evening feasts. At the helm, you’ll find Head Chef Manni, preparing daily specials and ensuring every dish delights on leaving the kitchen.
Brewery managed, a visit to the Chain Locker would be incomplete with sampling some of the South West’s award-winning pints. Whether it’s a Tribute pale ale, korev lager or something a little more experimental from our small batch Cask Club, offering a new limited-edition release on a weekly basis, enjoy a true taste of Cornish spirit. As the sun sets across the harbour, enjoy the short walk back to one of our boutique rooms and drift away to the gentle ebb and flow of the tide. Welcoming you with open paws, your four-legged friends can join your adventures along the way too with our dog-friendly rooms.
R eally delicious food last night. The market fish (hake) was beautifully cooked, some of the best that we have ever tasted. Friendly and attentive service. Loved the tropical trifle too.
STEP BACK IN TIME
In the 1670s, Falmouth’s prominence was significantly boosted as it became a renowned shipping port worldwide thanks to its new expansion and development. Not much is known about the early buildings on the historic quayside, however, during major building works in 2014, the discovery of early features, such as an original earth and hair plaster-bounded wall, timber partition featuring hand-painted wallpaper, and stone-built fireplace, have led archaeologists to date some of the Chain Locker back to the late 17th century.
The first confirmed mention of the Chain Locker is in 1854, operating as the ‘Marine Hotel’ in the local trade directory and described as ‘first-class’ by a contemporary advertisement. As Falmouth developed into a holiday destination, so too the hotel was extended – in 1939, it was noted the business hotel clientele were more likely to be tourists than sailors. The Chain Locker was first renovated in the early 1860s when ‘dormitories’ were added, creating the three-storey section of the main building, and again in the 1970s when the business expanded into the adjoining former marine engineer’s workshop.
The earliest record of the ‘Chain Locker’ name occurred in the 1950s when the hotel created a more intimate bar area overlooking the harbour yet remained primarily known as The Marine Hotel until at least the 1980s. In 2015, the business was bought by St Austell Brewery and has been lovingly restored to a central pillar of Falmouth’s pub scene.
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE
Falmouth has it all. From beautiful beaches and unique independent outlets to a historic castle and rich maritime past - your days will be filled with endless exploring. Shaped by its strong connection to the sea, it’s a must-add when curating your Cornwall itinerary.
Making up part of the historic harbour, the Chain Locker is the perfect place to rest your head after your adventures around the south coast. Your pooch is part of the family too, and of course, well-behaved pups are invited to join in on the fun, with much of the area dog-friendly year-round.
Just a hop, skip and jump from your boutique bedroom, you’ll find the National Maritime Museum Cornwall – a must for any sea lover, and of course, a visit to Falmouth wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of its gorgeous beaches, the largest being Gyllyngvase. Why not stretch your legs and wander up to Pendennis Castle for views unlike any other in the town, and reward yourself with a much-deserved pint back at the Chain Locker?
Whether you’re craving an action-packed weekend or a slower-paced staycation, Falmouth is the ultimate slice of Cornwall.
WHAT'S ON?
Not sure when to visit? Plan your trip around one of these events and get involved with the local community.
Falmouth Week – 5th – 14th August
With its origins dating back to at least 1837, Falmouth week is the opportunity for sailors and landlubbers alike to enjoy a variety of events in this most picturesque of settings. Expect family-friendly activities in the heart of the town combined with buzzing evening entertainment, including the famous 80s and 90s night – pack your best throwback outfit for a night of old school classics!
Oyster Festival – 13th – 16th October
Devoted to the mighty mollusc, the Falmouth Oyster Festival is one the biggest and most-loved specialist foodie events in the region. Watch live demonstrations, browse independent stalls and enjoy live music across the four-day festival. Tantalise your tastebuds and celebrate the very best of Cornwall’s catches with a seafood feast – no visit would be complete with sampling the famous Fal oyster.
Cornish Bank – A variety of dates
Meet Falmouth’s newest music venue. Celebrating local artists, musicians, and home-grown cooks, the Cornish Bank has become the go-to for all ages to enjoy a slice of Falmouth’s warmth and hospitality with its strong community feel. Find a diverse range of gigs throughout the year, to suit every music taste.
Pub Quiz – Every Wednesday at the Chain Locker
Put your knowledge to the test with the weekly pub quiz night at the Chain Locker and be in with the chance of winning a range of great prices. Kicking off at 7pm, enjoy a pint or two while you puzzle over each round.
Monsters of the deep – until 8th January 2023
Explore the centuries-old myths and legends, when chance sightings and odd appearances led to tall tales of deep-sea creatures. A great day out for all the family with a range of interactive features, discover a hidden world in the endless blue.
TAKE A HIKE
Pendennis Castle Loop
While this walk takes just over an hour and a half to complete, it provides a fantastic overview of Falmouth’s past alongside picture-perfect views across the harbour. You’ll begin and end at Event Square, minutes from the Chain Locker – why not sandwich your walk with a refreshing pint and well-deserved meal?
Discover Falmouth’s most historic landmark, built by Henry VIII in the 1540s overseeing the River Fal – you can certainly see why this spot was chosen with such a view! Pendennis Castle is just one of the highlights along your trek, and certainly worth adventuring into should you have the time. Rewarded for your hard work up the sloping hill, remember to take your camera to capture gorgeous views spanning across the harbour to the castle’s sister in St Mawes.
Mawnan Smith to the Helford Passage
Just a short drive from Falmouth is the spectacular Helford Passage, with its crystal-clear waters shrouded by tree-lined trails, it’s a hidden gem missed by most visitors to the area. Simply follow the coast path, hugging close to the shoreline, revealing secret coves before the route opens out onto open fields with magnificent views across the Helford River.
Pack a picnic to enjoy on your way around or stop at the Ferryboat Inn for a light bite and soak in the sunshine on the glorious sun terrace. If you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the Helford to cool down after your hike before heading back to Falmouth.
Saint Mawes Circular
Hop on the ferry across to St Mawes for a change of perspective; it’s best to reserve a whole day for this 3.5-mile walk to make the very most of your time across the Carrick. Browse the independent stores and treat yourself to a refreshing pint in the Rising Sun, complete with a stunning view of the harbour.
This circular hike will take you past the twin sister of Pendennis Castle, thought the castle in St Mawes boasts additional embellishments making it a must-see sight. Once you’ve thoroughly explored this iconic structure, continue through a charming woodland walk before looping back round to the main village.
BOOK YOUR ESCAPE
We’re offering you an exclusive 10% discount for stays at the Chain Locker, booked in August. Use the code ‘PUB10’ to redeem and escape to the picturesque seaside town of Falmouth.
* All bookings must be made before August 31st. Only available for use on bookings made before the February 18th at the Chain Locker.