Cornwall Village Celebrates Reopening of Local Pub After Five-Year Hiatus

Residents in a Cornish village are expressing anticipation for the return of their community’s local pub following a five-year closure. The Coryton Arms in St Mellion ceased operations in 2019, leaving the area without a public house. The establishment had deteriorated before its acquisition and subsequent renovation by David Stell, a surgeon affiliated with Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Mr. Stell articulated his goal to “put it back to the way it was, the way it should be.” The Coryton Arms will operate as an independent pub under Mr. Stell’s ownership, even as he maintains his surgical practice at Derriford Hospital. He commented on the significant commitment, stating: “It’s been a very big investment in money and time and pubs are closing all over the place so we have to do something special that gets people to come here.” He added, “The first pint I sell I will be a very happy man, the amount of work we have put into this.” Mr. Stell also conveyed his eagerness to welcome locals back, envisioning them “sitting around the fire.” This reopening occurs as the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) reported the closure of 500 pubs nationwide last year, with a warning that a similar number could be lost this year. Data from the BBPA indicates that 46% of individuals residing in the South West consider a “good local pub” a primary factor when selecting a new residence. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, remarked: “They are also a sign of real social value in their communities and good pubs offer so much more than a quality pint.” Amanda Copson, a resident living two doors from the pub, expressed that the village was “very, very lucky to have somebody who was willing to take a risk.” She further stated: “It’ll make a huge amount of difference – the pub is a hub.” Ms. Copson urged community participation, saying: “I feel we’ve all got to do our bit and drink the beer, and when they have food, eat the food, and use it as a social hub.”