Five Degrees West

Falmouth, Cornwall

St Austell managed house

It is nearly five years since a former nightclub with a questionable reputation was transformed into the stylish Five Degrees West. Manageress Justine Stevens helped steer the physical transformation and is now overseeing the pub's ever growing reputation as a welcoming venue for all ages and groups.

Inside, the décor is best described as modern chic with comfortable leather sofas around the bar complementing the informal seating area where diners can see all of the action going on in the open-plan kitchen.

Stevens comments: "We look at Five Degrees West being just like our own home and just as welcoming." The recipe works because the St Austell managed house attracts everyone from pensioners, ladies that lunch, and family groups, to business people, students, and young professionals.

The broad range of customers is evident in that wines and spirits are the biggest selling drinks and only one cask ale is on the bar.

One of the hallmarks of the Stevens' operational plan is to source as much food and other produce as possible from local suppliers to help the Cornish economy and build ties with the local business community. She notes: "It is simple, fresh food with the emphasis on easy dining and shared eating." She adds with a laugh: "Sadly, the most popular item on the menu is our burgers, but at least they are made with Cornish beef, organic eggs, organic bacon, and skinny fries."

Five Degrees West is also about the only venue in Falmouth catering for families with young children that want to eat in the twilight zone between late afternoon and early evening when many pub kitchens are closed.

The pub has exceptionally high levels of service and credit must go to Stevens for employing both full time and part-time staff on a year-round basis and not shedding employees outside of the tourist season. "It is really important for them to know that it is a proper job and that they can, if they want, make a career in hospitality. It also gives them confidence and this can be seen in the way they treat customers - they are always talking to customers and making sure they feel welcome."