North Nineteen

Don’t be deterred by the anonymous name and the drab housing blocks that surround North Nineteen: this is a gem of a makeover. The main bar adds a fireplace, a TV and a space for open-mic sessions to a counter offering the likes of Timothy Taylor Landlord, guest ales and beers from Skinner’s in Truro (Cornish Knocker golden ale, Betty Stogs bitter); a chalkboard and an array of beermats testify to the presence of regular guest ales.

Another bar, accessed via the dog-leg front terrace or through the gents’, best suits the convivial enjoyment of superior pub grub (Irish stew, chargrilled chicken sandwiches and so on). Whiskies, too, are a strong point: there are 26 in all, ‘plus six off-menu’, according to Tony, the landlord, who’ll be playing darts in the side games room on rare quiet moments.