Sharp’s Brewing Co Launches Cask Quality Club Celebrating Six Cornish Pubs

Sharp’s Brewing Co in Rock has launched its brand-new Cask Quality Club during this year’s Cask Ale Week, shining a spotlight on pubs across Cornwall that have shown an outstanding commitment to serving cask ale at its very best.

The club brings continual recognition to pubs maintaining the highest standards in caring for and serving cask-conditioned beer, also known as real ale. Each member receives a handcrafted wooden plaque, framed certificate, bespoke beer clip badge, and exclusive access to digital training resources designed to further strengthen their cask credentials.

Nigel Maguire, marketing controller at Sharp’s, explained:
“Cask Ale Week provides an opportunity to highlight the qualities and care and attention that goes into not only brewing, but also treating and serving the perfect pint of cask ale. The launch of our Cask Quality Club typifies our mission to champion the amazing qualities of cask beer across the UK and here in our heartlands of Cornwall all year round. The venues we’ve recognised exemplify what it means to be true Cornish cask champions.”

The Front, Falmouth

Perched on Customs House Quay, The Front has become a much-loved institution in Falmouth. Reopened in 2022 after the pandemic under new management, it has gone on to win CAMRA Kernow’s Pub of the Year 2023 and be listed among the UK’s top four pubs.

Manager Max Bosley said:
“At The Front, we’ve always prided ourselves on serving top-quality cask ale and creating a warm, welcoming space where people can truly enjoy it. Being recognised by Sharp’s through the Quality Cask Club is a real honour.”

The Mariners, Rock

Overlooking the Camel Estuary, The Mariners is run by Paul and Emma Ainsworth and has become a vibrant gastropub. It ranked third best gastropub in the UK in the 2024 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs Awards.

General Manager Michael Faraway said:
“Serving exceptional cask ale is at the heart of everything we do. Being recognised by Sharp’s through the Cask Quality Club is a fantastic acknowledgment of our team’s dedication.”

The Golden Lion, Padstow

Dating back to 1783, The Golden Lion is Padstow’s oldest remaining pub and steeped in history. It has been run by the Rickard family for nearly 40 years, with Martin and Sarah Rickard now at the helm.

Martin Rickard said:
“We’ve always believed that a great pint of cask ale is more than just a drink, it’s an experience. Joining Sharp’s Cask Quality Club is a real honour.”

The Ship Inn, Lerryn

Set on the riverside in Lerryn, The Ship Inn was restored in 2023 and has become a popular destination for its views, live music nights, and Cornish food. It also offers B&B rooms.

Shane Pollard said:
“Being recognised by Sharp’s through the Cask Quality Club is a real honour. It highlights the hard work our team puts into keeping our beer in perfect condition.”

The Cornishman, Crantock

Close to Crantock’s sandy beach, The Cornishman is a family-friendly pub with a spacious beer garden, hearty food and a reputation for community spirit.

Dave Ruddick said:
“We’ve always been passionate about serving cask ale at its very best, and this recognition reflects the hard work our team puts in. It’s fantastic to be part of a community of pubs that share the same commitment.”

The Pheasant, St Newlyn East

Once a 19th-century Temperance Hotel, The Pheasant is now a village favourite known for its homecooked food, welcoming atmosphere and strong tradition of cask ale.

James Wilson, General Manager, said:
“True cask conditioned beer is an artform and a tradition closely associated with the great British pub. It is nice to be lauded for the effort we put in week in and week out.”

Sharp’s and the Future of Cask Ale

Founded in 1994, Sharp’s has grown into the South West’s largest brewer of cask beer, with its flagship Doom Bar among the UK’s most successful ales. The brewery has more than 200 brewing awards to its name and will launch a limited-edition beer for Cask Ale Week 2025.

Sharp’s has also recently unveiled a refreshed look for its cask and keg ranges, designed to appeal to a new generation of beer drinkers while staying rooted in its Cornish identity.

For more information, visit www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk