Pedn Olva Reopens in St Ives After Major Refurbishment

One of St Ives’ most recognisable venues, the Pedn Olva, has reopened this week after a dramatic redesign by St Austell Brewery. Perched on the rocks above Porthminster Beach, the building has been reimagined to showcase its heritage while making the most of its breathtaking coastal location.

A Striking New Look

The Pedn Olva, part of St Austell Brewery’s managed estate of 45 pubs, now features new layouts, expansive terraces, and interiors inspired by its mining and coastal roots. Visitors will find a striking granite feature in the lobby, a sculptural staircase, and wide glazing framing views across the bay.

At the heart of the redesign is a 10-metre bar, topped with a bespoke copper sculpture by Cornish artist Shelley Anderson. The reconfiguration has also created snug seating areas, a spacious dining room, and a rooftop deck with panoramic views. Bi-fold doors open onto a raised terrace overlooking Porthminster Beach.

Natural materials like granite, wood, and copper have been used throughout. Turquoise tiling and custom carpets reflect the colours and textures of the coastline. The venue also celebrates the town’s artistic heritage, with more than 25 pieces of commissioned and bespoke artwork, including stained glass and sculpture, as well as originals by renowned St Ives painters William Black and Victor Bramley.

Rooms with a Coastal Touch

All 27 bedrooms have been fully refurbished. Each now offers sea views, rainfall showers, and Hypnos beds, with interiors influenced by artists including Barbara Hepworth and Peter Lanyon. Minibars are stocked with St Austell Brewery favourites.

Food and Drink with Local Flavour

Guests can enjoy a drinks list that includes summer spritz cocktails, carefully selected wines, and St Austell Brewery’s award-winning beers. The food menu runs from breakfast through to dinner, with dishes such as grilled half-shell scallops, lobster butter fries, and charred watermelon salad. Cornish classics like fish and chips, cream teas, and daily catch specials are also on offer, with seafood supplied by Matthew Stevens, based just ten minutes away.

A Sustainable Transformation

Sustainability has been central to the refurbishment, with the work aiming to honour both the venue’s history and its coastal surroundings.

Kevin Georgel, Chief Executive of St Austell Brewery, said:
“Our ambition was to create an exceptional year-round hospitality experience that reflects both the heritage and incredible location of the Pedn Olva. This is a landmark investment in our managed estate – a stunning, characterful venue rooted in its surroundings.

“I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved at the Pedn Olva. We’ve all missed it during its closure this year, but it’s now a flagship venue once again; a warm, welcoming space for all occasions, whether it’s a leisurely lunch, a celebratory dinner, or simply a drink with a view. We look forward to welcoming guests – both local and from further afield – for many years to come.”

Experienced Team at the Helm

The reopening is being led by new General Manager Shaun Embrey, previously of the Hope and Anchor in Hope Cove, Devon. Many returning team members, who supported other St Austell Brewery pubs during the closure, are back in place to welcome guests.

The Pedn Olva has been part of St Austell Brewery’s estate for over 25 years. This transformation is the sixth major refurbishment in three years across the company’s managed pubs, following work at the Wellington in Boscastle, Pier House in Charlestown, and Harbour Inn in Porthleven.

St Austell Brewery also brews award-winning beers including Proper Job, korev, and Tribute, and operates 123 leased and tenanted pubs.

To book a stay or table, visit pednolva.co.uk.