St Ives Icon Pedn Olva Returns With Standout Design & Dreamy Destination Pub & Dining

One of St Ives’ most iconic coastal venues, the Pedn Olva, has reopened this week following a bold and ambitious renovation by St Austell Brewery. Perched on the rocks above Porthminster Beach, the iconic venue has been completely transformed to showcase its breath taking setting and rich heritage.

The Pedn Olva - one of St Austell Brewery’s 45 managed pubs across the South West - now features reconfigured layouts, expansive new terraces and a reimagined interior design inspired by its mining roots and coastal surroundings. A striking granite feature rises from the new lobby, complemented by a sculptural staircase and expansive glazing that frames uninterrupted views across the bay.

At the heart of the pub with rooms is a new 10-metre bar, crowned by a bespoke copper sculpture from local artist Shelley Anderson, paying homage to the site’s industrial past. The reconfigured layout also includes new snug areas, a spacious dining room, and enhanced outdoor terraces - including a rooftop deck - perfect for soaking up the panoramic sea views. Bi-fold doors replace exterior walls, opening onto an expansive new raised terrace overlooking Porthminster Beach.

Natural materials, including granite, wood, and copper, have been used throughout, while turquoise tiling and custom carpets evoke the textures and colours of the Cornish coastline. As a venue rooted in a town synonymous with art, the interiors showcase more than 25 pieces of original, commissioned and bespoke artwork including sculpture and stained glass, many by Cornish artists and sourced from local galleries - along with originals from renowned St Ives painters including William Black and Victor Bramley.

All 27 bedrooms have been fully refurbished, each offering sea views and coastal-inspired décor. The designs feature nods to artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Peter Lanyon, seen in bespoke rugs and soft furnishings. Rooms also include rainfall showers, Hypnos beds, and minibars stocked with St Austell Brewery favourites.

Alongside an extensive drinks menu featuring delights such as summer spritz cocktails and specially selected wines from St Austell Brewery’s in-house wine specialists, as well as its range of award-winning beers, delicious food will be served throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner, for guests, locals, and day visitors alike.

The new menu features exclusive dishes such as grilled half-shell scallops, lobster butter fries, and charred watermelon salad, alongside Cornish classics like fish and chips, cream teas, and daily catch specials. All dishes champion the finest local produce, including seafood sourced from long-standing supplier Matthew Stevens, based just ten minutes away.

Sustainability has been a guiding principle throughout the transformation. The renovation not only enhances the physical space but also celebrates the Pedn Olva’s heritage and deep connection to the coast.

Kevin Georgel, Chief Executive, 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.”

The Pedn Olva has been part of St Austell Brewery’s managed estate for over 25 years. Its reopening is supported by the appointment of experienced General Manager Shaun Embrey, who previously led the team at St Austell Brewery’s Hope and Anchor in Hope Cove, Devon.

Under Shaun’s leadership, a dedicated team - including many returning team members who supported other St Austell Brewery pubs during the refurbishment - will deliver outstanding service and memorable experiences.

The Pedn Olva’s transformation marks the sixth major refurbishment in the businesses managed estate in the past three years, following projects including 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 from its breweries in St Austell and Hare Brewery in Bath. In addition to its managed pub estate, the company operates 123 leased and tenanted pubs and is the leading drinks wholesaler in the South West.