St Austell employee takes on first ever pub

A new publican has taken on one of Cornwall’s most cherished village pubs, The Polgooth Inn. 

Andrew Milburn has worked for St Austell Brewery for over a decade, most recently heading up the Hicks Bar at the company’s visitor centre. However, this is his first time running a pub in St Austell Brewery’s leased and tenanted estate as an independent licensee. 

Located in the Pentewan Valley, between St Austell and Mevagissey, The Polgooth Inn is a 16th century pub. It boasts acres of land, glamping pods and a large garden. 

The opportunity to take on the pub came earlier this year, following 15 years under the stewardship of outgoing tenants Alex and Tanya Williams.

"I remember my first visit about 10 years ago," says Milburn. "Standing in the garden, seeing everything growing, the pond, the animals. It was a real ‘wow’ moment. I knew it was something special."

Longstanding employee

Having started his journey with St Austell Brewery 11 years ago at the Old Success Inn in Sennen, Milburn went on to join the central food team before taking the reins at the brewery’s Hicks Bar and Visitor Centre. Now, he has relocated to The Polgooth with his wife and two young sons.

"Being able to run a pub and put a stamp on the food offering is something that means a lot to me," he adds. "Guests can expect traditional British cuisine, elevated - the kind of dishes that give you that warm, nostalgic feeling and make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up."

The Polgooth Inn, which forms part of St Austell Brewery’s 120-strong leased and tenanted pub estate, has four and a half acres of land with pigs, cows, sheep, bee hives, glamping pods, polytunnels and a herb garden. 

You may also be interested in…