I’m not one to play down the travails of the licensed trade at the moment, but it was nice to put those fears on hold for an evening while casting an eye over a packed pub.
The Cape Cornwall Singers — Penkernow Canoryon in Cornish — filled the Star Inn, Crowlas, my local, last night, and filled the air with well-known, mainly local tunes. Lovely harmonies, lubricated by Penzance Brewing Co beer. They made their way through plenty of Crowlas Bitter, Potion No 9, and the enigmatically-named WOB (don’t ask).
The Cornish choir sound works so well in a pub, and although the Star’s acoustics aren’t perfect, in the main bar it was a thing of beauty. Cornish choirs always come with supporters and family members galore, and Cape Cornwall are no different. It all makes for a fantastic atmosphere. If only we could have them back every Friday night, especially through that quiet month of February, just around the corner. Have a listen to them in the video clip below:
There is a school of thought that January is the quietest month for pubs, after the Christmas hullabaloo, but I’ve generally found that it’s February when you really notice the sound of the pub clock ticking while watching the bar person quietly dry a glass. Time, then, to get out and support our pubs, especially those independent ones.
Closures are still happening, and economic uncertainty remains until Jeremy Hunt rises to give his spring Budget in March. And even if you don’t want to drink too much, there is the biggest range of low- and no-alcohol drinks options available now. Not every night will be like our Cape Cornwall Singers evening, but pubs remain the heart of their communities. Don’t be a stranger.
