Serving pirates, smugglers and rum since 1695

We return to Cornwall for another in Pirate Plunder’s series on ‘smuggler’ pubs and this is a real treasure. The worldfamous Admiral Benbow in Penzance was named after John Benbow, an English officer in the Royal Navy lauded in sea shanties as ‘Brave Benbow’. Now under the patronage of Chris Morgan, the inn houses a fascinating collection of wreckage and maritime artefacts rescued from numerous shipwrecked vessels that foundered on the Cornish coast during the last 400 years. This extraordinary interior was created by a previous owner, Roland Morris, between 1950 and 1960.

Many of its treasures are incorporated into the fabric of the building. The Captain’s

Cabin restaurant is a fascinating recreation of a deck from a period ship, with its fine stern plate from a Portuguese Man O’ War. The Lady Hamilton lounge is home to a magnificent cannon and several rescued ships’ figureheads. The upstairs bars have extensive views over Penzance harbour towards St Michael’s Mount.

One of the oldest drinking houses in Penzance, The Admiral Benbow has been around since the 17th Century. Legend has it that Robert Louis Stevenson visited Penzance in 1880 after travelling in America. He had formulated the idea for a book he wanted to call ‘Treasure Island’, but had yet to settle on the starting point for the story.

A visit to the Benbow, which was at that time an illegal drinking den and home to numerous smugglers, is said to have inspired him further and as a nod to the pub, he included the name in his story, which first appeared as a serial in a children’s magazine in 1881.

In 2008, a series of tunnels carved out by smugglers was discovered underneath the inn. It is believed that a famous smuggling gang The Benbow Brandy Men, used the tunnels to transfer brandy, gin and tobacco from the harbour to the premises, thus avoiding unwanted attention from the excise men. Straddling the roof is a model of Octavious Lanyon, who led the Brandy

Men, and he’s still aiming his pistol at the law!

The inn has also been popular with modern celebrities, playing host to many famous visitors, including Gregory Peck, the Rolling Stones and chef Rick Stein, who filmed a segment for his TV series on Cornwall there.

Today, the Admiral Benbow serves a variety of beers, wines and spirits, including an excellent selection of Cornish ales and fine wines from across the world. The restaurant has a full menu offering a variety of dishes including local seafood. Vegetarian diners also are wellcatered for and daily specials are available.

More information from www.thebenbow.com www.bagorags.co.uk

Captain and crew are visiting as many pirate events as they can with their stall, not the boat, unfortunately!

We shall have all you will need to bring out ‘yer inner pirate’ from shirts, hats, trousers and flags to piratical accessories beyond count. We stock 17th & 18th Century weaponry, as well as Celtic, Gothic, Steam-punk shirts and T-shirts plus a range of jewellery and accessories. So we hope to see you at one of the events this year, but if you cannot make it, we can be found in Penzance Harbour, Cornwall.

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