Notable drinking holes include the Lamp & Whistle, a hip local favourite boasting an eccentric collection of bric-a-brac, complete with art on the ceiling; and the Turk’s Head, the oldest in town, said to have existed since 1233 – Lee Groves (Masterchef The Professionals semi-finalist) oversees the kitchen.

After being suitably steeped in history (and beer), set sail up the street to sample Cornish gin at The Turks Head. Said to date from 1233, this pub has an underground smugglers’ tunnel that leads down to the harbour.

Steeped in over 700 years of history (dating back to 1233!), as you step inside you’ll be greeted by low beamed ceilings, cosy alcoves, open fires and original stonework – it’s got bags of character and a warming old-world charm, and there’s even a hidden smugglers tunnel!. Proper pints take centre stage, with a great selection of real ales, including Cornish favourites from Sharp’s and St Austell Brewery, alongside a well-stocked bar of local ciders, spirits, and a warming selection of whiskies and rums. This is a great spot all-year round; in the summer head to the terrace, and when it’s cold outside cosy up next to the fire.

MasterChef semi-finalist Lee Groves is at the helm in Penzance’s oldest pub, The Turks Head 01736 363093, turksheadpenzance.co.uk with its local beers on tap and traditional fare. Vegans flock to Archie Brown’s 01736 362828, archiebrowns.co.uk where slabs of quiche and homity pie come with a rainbow of delicious salads. Grab a coffee from The Tube, the converted 1970s Citroën HY parked at the tip of Bread Street, or settle in at Mr Billy’s 01736 367497, mrbillys.com for a clotted cream tea and pot of Tregothnan Earl Grey (grown nearby, in England’s only tea plantation).

With a great selection of top-notch restaurants (check out Mermaid Alley, The Cornish Barn and Alverne to name but a few), the iconic Jubilee Pool (soon to be partly heated through a geothermal well), historic Chapel Street with great independent shops and quirky pubs (such as the Turk’s Head – the oldest in the town – and the Admiral Benbow – famed for being in the opening scene of the novel Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson), there’s plenty to see and do. Don’t be put off by it’s slightly down-at-heel feel – this is a town that’s on the up.

Set on Penzance’s historic Chapel Street the Turk’s Head lays claim to being the oldest pub in town with a tavern of some sort located here since the 13th century. This cosy pub was once the haunt of sea dogs and smugglers with stories of a hidden tunnel leading directly to the harbour. The tunnel and contraband may have gone but the pub still serves a fine selection of local ales and retains plenty of olde worlde charm.

Local tradition has it that The Turks Head in Chapel Street in Penzance is the oldest inn in this historic town, if not the oldest in the whole of Cornwall. Its name dates back to at least 1233, when legend has it the harbour was invaded by Turks from the Holy Land. The 13th century was the time of the crusades to Jerusalem and names such as Turk’s Head or Saracen’s Head became popular for public houses across England.

The Turks Head is the oldest pub in the heart of Penzance town. Unspoiled by contemporary design and décor, this soul-soothing, local pub offers a fresh, seasonal menu coupled with local craft beverages, all of which can be enjoyed in our shanty style, west-country setting. Our secret garden is a hidden retreat that begs for any passing explorer or local Kernow folk to enjoy.

The Turk’s Head earnt its name following the Turkish invasion of Penzance in 1233. Concealing a huge number of secrets within its walls, including authentic priest holes and a genuine smugglers’ tunnel, it must be one of the most fascinating pubs in the UK. Exuding charm and quirkier than ever, you will be hard-pressed not to be captivated.

We had pre-booked online, so had a small table reserved in the back. Our waitress was awesome, helping me to choose a meal that would keep me safe from a capsicum allergy. She ran up and down the stairs to the kitchen to consult the chef, several times.Our food was served within short time, and was very good.

The Turk’s Head is a nice old pub (supposedly the oldest in the town), and is tucked away in the famous Chapel Street. It’s next to the Admiral Benbow which another friend had recommended. Unfortunately they weren’t serving food at the days or times we wanted so we didn’t get chance to try it out.

And if you are exploring this coastal town and want to pop into a café or tearoom for a light bite to eat, there are plenty of those as well!. Stop by The Front Room, Terrace Café or Orangery Café when you get peckish to enjoy a delightful tea and cake.

Experience the unique atmosphere of place in history that is steeped in intrigue and mystery. Imagine yourself taking a drink in the same place that Pirates and Smugglers once used some 750 years ago. This is one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall.

Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere in the comfort of the bar area. Ponder over the selection of food from our extensive menu or simply enjoy the ambience of a local friendly pub. Our kitchen serves the freshest, finest local produce.

The Turks Head is the oldest pub in the heart of Penzance town. Unspoiled by contemporary design and décor, this soul-soothing, local pub offers a fresh, seasonal menu coupled with local craft beverag

In the city centre, you’ll find a range of appealing restaurants and pubs, including The Globe, The Tremenheere (a Wetherspoon pub), and my personal favourite, The Turks Head.