On a Saturday afternoon, Johns off-licence, in St Ives, is generally bustling, but now there’s another reason to drop in with the opening of a cosy bar.
Small but perfectly formed, it’s situated to the rear of the store, with table and wall seating, and places at the right-angled bar.
Lacuna Pale Ale in one of Johns’ St Ives Brewery glasses
One is charged corkage for picking a beer from the shelves, in my case my first ever Lacuna brew, from Penryn. Pale Ale (4.6% ABV) turns out it’s a lovely drop, hazy gold and tropical in tone, with a biscuit malt background.
A great spot to sit and chat, or maybe try before you buy from Johns’ extensive range of Cornish beers, from St Austell and Verdant to local heroes Mine. There’s a selection of big national names, too, such as Anspach & Hobday, along with continental beers.
The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly, and when I was there the patrons were a great mix of folk. Obviously, if you have non-beery friends, other drink options are available — indeed, the bar is described on Johns’ own website as a wine bar. Drop in and have a look for yourselves when in St Ives.
