Newlyn’s Red Lion to close for a £100,000 makeover

When the Red Lion shut at the end of last year, it looked like it might go the way of so many old pubs. Now it is about to get log burners.

The harbourside pub in Newlyn will close for around two weeks from Monday 28 September while £100,000 is spent on it. The investment is being overseen by independent Cornish distillery and hospitality business Pocketful of Stones, following its first summer running the pub, with the work carried out alongside pub company Admiral Taverns.

What the money is going on

The idea is to upgrade the place without losing what people like about it. The cosy, traditional feel stays. The toilets and the bar are being improved, and the floors and ceilings are getting some much-needed attention.

There are two bigger additions too. A new courtyard area is being created, and log burners are going in, so the pub can be used properly all year round, from summer evenings outside to stormy winter nights by the harbour.

Mike Cunliffe, co-owner of Pocketful of Stones, said: “The Red Lion has such an important place in Newlyn’s history and community, and we knew from the outset that it needed to remain a proper local pub: welcoming, characterful and somewhere people can come for a brilliant pint, good food and good company.

“After seeing the response over our first summer, we are really excited to make this next investment alongside Admiral Taverns. We want to look after the things people already love about the Red Lion, while improving the spaces that will make it even better for locals and visitors alike.”

The pub that nearly slipped away

The Red Lion closed at the end of 2025, and there was concern at the time that Newlyn could be about to lose another traditional pub. Pocketful of Stones worked with Admiral Taverns to take it on, and reopened it as a community pub at the end of February 2026.

Since then, a young local team has been running it, led by manager Todd Kyle and assistant manager Lydia Chappell. There is a wider choice of Cornish beers, wines and spirits behind the bar. In the kitchen, chef George Mitchell’s menu starts from familiar Cornish pub food and adds a creative twist, using seasonal ingredients from nearby suppliers.

Summer brought outdoor barbecues, live music and themed events, and with them locals and visitors back through the door. The pub has also just picked up a Silver Plastic Free Champion Award from Plastic Free Penzance, for the steps it is taking to cut single-use plastic from its day-to-day running.

“Newlyn is an extraordinary place, full of creativity, hard work and character,” Mike said. “The team has done a fantastic job of bringing the pub back to life, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back once the work is complete, particularly in time for cosy winter evenings around the fire!”

Ten years of Pocketful of Stones

The Red Lion is the third venue Pocketful of Stones runs, alongside its Penzance bar and tasting room and its Falmouth shop. The business started in 2016 as a small-batch Cornish spirits producer and has grown into an award-winning distillery and hospitality business, now employing 30 people across its venues.

It recently marked its tenth anniversary with a month of events and the launch of Caspyn Ten, a limited-edition release celebrating its flagship Caspyn Gin.

More venues on the cards?

Asked what comes next, Mike kept his cards close.

“You’ll have to watch this space. We’re excited about the possibility of more Pocketful of Stones venues around Cornwall as we continue to build on the foundations we have created: good spaces, good people and a genuine love of hospitality.

“It is a tough industry, but we are lucky to have a brilliant team behind us. With their energy and commitment, we are looking forward to seeing where the next few years take us.”

The Red Lion is expected to reopen in October. Updates, opening information and upcoming events will be posted on the Pocketful of Stones website.