The landmark Market Inn, on Lemon Quay in Truro,has been re-opened by Star Pubs after a a three-year closure and a £550,000 renovation.
Market Inn licensee Karen Hawthorne with Star Pubs business development manager Seb Benton
Six new jobs are being created on the back of the investment. Included is a grant from the New Life for City Buildings (NLCB) project, which is funded by the Truro Town Deal.
Dating back to around 1900, the Market Inn’s Dutch gable and stunning late-Victorian glazed tile façade have been retained and lovingly restored. Two new traditional-style lanterns and new signage complete the look.
The interior, which had fallen into disrepair, has been completely overhauled with original features restored, using furniture and fabrics in-keeping with its Victorian character.
The Market Inn’s focus is on offering an extensive drinks selection for every time of the day, ranging from craft beer, cask ale, and cocktails to soft drinks and fresh coffee. The latest dispense technology has been installed to ensure consistent quality draught beer and cider, while reducing waste, water, and energy consumption.
Truro-born Karen Hawthorne, who returned to the city six years ago, will be running the pub. She has more than 20 years’ hospitality experience. Most recently, she has overseen the hospitality suite at Truro Football Club. She will be running the pub with her daughter and nephew, and her younger son will also be lending a hand.
“I have been counting down the days until the re-opening of The Market Inn, looking forward to breathing new life into this landmark pub,” said Karen. “It is a gorgeous characterful building, and now that it is refurbished looks absolutely stunning.
“It’s in a fantastic location in the heart of the city, and will be a great addition to Truro’s hospitality scene. The team is trained up and equally excited about opening this week.”
Star Pubs business development manager, Seb Benton, said: “It’s a great start to the year to be re-opening The Market Inn after a three-year closure, returning it to the community, and to have created somewhere of which Truro can be proud.
“It is an outstanding building in a prime position next to The Hall of Cornwall. We have worked hard to ensure that we respect the building’s listed status and its character, so that when you enter you get a real sense of drinking in a classic Victorian city centre pub.”
He added: “I also want to thank the Truro Regeneration Company CIC for the grant support towards the pub’s accommodation through the New Life for City Buildings project.
“In the past, The Market Inn was the main gathering place for farmers and traders on market days. With a farmers’ market still taking place in Lemon Quay on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it’s time to reinstate The Market Inn as the place to socialise and relax. Wishing visitors and locals many happy days and evenings ahead.”
Rupert Hume-Kendall, chair of Truro Regeneration Company CIC, said: “One of the main objectives of the NLCB project was to help stimulate the night-time economy in Truro. Another was to lever in private sector investment to refurbish vacant or under-utilised buildings.
“The grant we have awarded to The Market Inn has helped deliver both of these objectives, and it is fantastic to see the building back in commercial use.”
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