The Five Pilchards Inn

Whether you’ve walked ten minutes or 315 miles, The Five Pilchards Inn is a very welcome sight. This historic pub stands on the slipway in Porthallow, Cornwall, with the beach right outside and the halfway point of the South West Coast Path on its doorstep. Named after the fish that built the village, it’s run today by Grace and George Ross, who keep the doors open for locals, walkers, families and dogs alike.

Dogs are welcome throughout the bar, where they can flop at your feet while you get stuck into the rotating selection of Cornish cask ales, local cider and a sensible wine list. When the wind picks up, the fire gets lit through the colder months, so it’s a cosy spot to dry off after a blustery walk along the Lizard coast.

The food is honest and comforting, and it’s served seven days a week, Christmas Day aside. The menus run from pub favourites, burgers and pasta to lighter lunches, jacket potatoes, baguettes, pizzas and sharers, with fresh Cornish seafood when the boats are in. Saturdays bring Greek dishes to the table, and there are vegetarian and gluten-free options and children’s portions too.

Sunday roasts are served from 12pm to 7pm, with turkey, beef and a vegan option, which makes this a good excuse for a long Sunday walk. It’s a lovely stop on the coast path from Coverack, three miles to the south, or from the Helford River, five miles to the north.

Live music nights pop up through the year, so it’s worth checking what’s on, and bookings are recommended in season. You can call the inn on 01326 280256.