Cornish pubs experience mixed fortunes in floods

Pubs in a Cornwall town have experienced mixed fortunes after this morning's floods caused havoc for many in the county.

Heavy rain and gale-force winds left parts of Cornwall under four feet of water, with some people trapped in their cars and homes.

In the town of Mevagissey, the St Austell-owned Ship Inn saw water levels rise to around three feet in the building.

The Publican​ made contact with the pub, but a member of staff said they were "a bit busy" clearing up. However it is understood the pub is still open and trading.

The Sharksfin also saw water come up to around two feet at the back of the building, with its cellar and kitchen put out of action.

"We are not too badly off, compared to the Ship," said the pub's chef Ian Castle. "We've had a few customers, but obviously we can't do food as the kitchen's out of action."

But the Fountain Inn was unaffected, as it sits above sea level. "We're completely bone dry," said licensee William Moore.

But the pub played its part, by serving up takeaway fish and chips to firemen involved in helping out those affected.

Jeremy Mitchell, St Austell brewery's marketing director, said the flooding had been "very localised".

He said he only knew of one other flooded pub in its estate - the Western Inn, in St Austell.

Beer deliveries were "going out as normal" he added, as the brewery is on a hill.