Penzance Brewing Co

Penzance Brewing Co was established in 2008 by the late Peter Elvin, landlord of The Star Inn in Crowlas, a village just east of Penzance in Cornwall. The brewery was built within converted stable buildings behind the pub, creating a true brewpub operation where many of the beers could be enjoyed just a few metres from where they were brewed. From the beginning, Elvin focused on producing traditional cask ales with an emphasis on balance, drinkability and consistency.

Over the years, the brewery developed a loyal following across Cornwall and beyond, producing around fifteen different beers ranging from classic bitters and milds to golden ales, pale ales and seasonal specials. Among its best-known beers are Crowlas Bitter, Potion No 9, Crows-an-Wra, Trink and Scilly Stout. Potion No 9, a light, golden and hop-forward session ale, became a permanent fixture alongside Crowlas Bitter and remains one of the brewery's signature beers.

The brewery's home, The Star Inn, has earned an outstanding reputation in its own right. The pub was named Cornwall Pub of the Year by CAMRA in 2013 and has long been recognised as one of the county's premier destinations for traditional cask ale. The close relationship between brewery and pub has allowed Penzance Brewing Co to refine its beers through direct feedback from regular drinkers and visiting beer enthusiasts alike.

Penzance Brewing Co's greatest acclaim arrived through its Mild, a beer inspired by the traditional Black Country milds that Peter Elvin admired. Rich with flavours of chocolate, cocoa, roast malt and dried fruit while remaining remarkably drinkable at just 3.6% ABV, the beer became a favourite among regulars and visitors. In 2024 it won CAMRA's Mild category, before going on to be crowned Champion Beer of Britain 2025, one of the highest honours in British brewing. Judges praised its depth of flavour, balance and authenticity, cementing its place among the country's finest cask ales.

Following Peter Elvin's passing in 2023, the brewery continued under the stewardship of brewers who had learned their craft within the brewery itself, ensuring that his commitment to quality and traditional brewing remained intact. Today, Penzance Brewing Co continues to produce award-winning Cornish real ale from its home at The Star Inn, carrying forward a legacy built on community, craftsmanship and a passion for exceptional cask beer.