Camborne’s Tinners Café and the games shop that isn’t about profit

A breakfast on Trelowarren Street. A game of cards on Cross Street. Two businesses in Camborne have found their regulars by giving people somewhere to sit down and stay a while.

And both say it is going better than they had hoped.

📷Steven McLean, owner of Tinners Café & Kitchen on Trelowarren Street, Camborne

From Scallywags to Tinners

The café on Trelowarren Street that many will remember as Scallywags Coffee Shop is now Tinners Café & Kitchen. It has been refurbished and rebranded to reflect the town’s tin mining heritage.

Owner Steven McLean bought the business in December 2024 and says he is pleased with how many people come back on a regular basis.

“We’re particularly well-known for our breakfasts and are getting great reviews and compliments,” he said. “Camborne has a close-knit community and benefits from smaller independent businesses that are personal and more friendly.

“We’ve got 25 covers and have created a hub for locals and visitors that is appreciated for good food and coffee. So much so that we’re now opening on Sundays.”

📷Brodie Maguire and Kezzy Barr at Analogue Rebellion TCG on Cross Street, Camborne

A cool living room on Cross Street

Brodie Maguire and Kezzy Barr opened Analogue Rebellion TCG on Cross Street in June this year, and the couple couldn’t be happier with how it is going.

They describe it as a place “for geeks of all persuasions” to “nerd out”. On the shelves you’ll find trading card games, vintage games, books and comics, indie records and music gear, with a cost effective hot and cold drinks menu to go with it.

“We wanted to create somewhere for people to hang out that wasn’t a pub,” said Kezzy, who grew up in Camborne. “It’s like a cool living room where you’re welcome to relax, chat or play games.

“The digital world can be lonely, so this is a space that combines our individual interests. We honestly couldn’t have imagined the business going any better than it is.”

Brodie grew up in Mullion and plays guitar with the band Mother Vulture.

“We get visitors from all over Cornwall,” he said. “There’s no pressure to spend money. You can use the gaming room for free, borrow books, make new friends or just chill out and read.

“Analogue Rebellion isn’t about profit. We have to make ends meet of course but, most importantly, we’re building a community and that means a lot to us.”

Part of a wider high street shift

BID Camborne manager Anna Pascoe welcomed the ongoing success of both businesses, which she sees as part of a bigger pattern in the town centre. More on what’s going on in town is at cambornetown.com, and on @cambornetown on Facebook and Instagram.

“They’re part of a growing high street trend towards food, service, leisure and community outlets, rather than traditional shop and buy models,” she said.

“Businesses thrive if they give people what they want at a price they can afford, and Analogue Rebellion and Tinners Café & Kitchen are successfully doing just that.”

📷Brodie Maguire and Kezzy Barr at Analogue Rebellion TCG on Cross Street, Camborne