Cornish pub diversifies with craft and food store

Anouska House, licensee of the Miners Arms in Mithian, St Agnes, has converted the pub’s store room into a self-contained shop as it seeks to fill the void left by the closure of the hamlet’s post office and village shop three years ago.

The new facility, which officially opened last week, operates between 10am and 11pm and sells locally produced eggs, honey, cider and vegetables as well as the wares of local artists ranging from jewellery to cards and mirrors.

“We are a traditional village pub serving home cooked food and rely on people travelling to us for our business,” House said.

“At the same time we are a vital hub for our community and by opening for a few additional hours each day in a largely underutilised space we can serve our local community with a new essential service providing additional employment and an outlet for locally-made goods.”

The refurbishment was part funded by a £2,500 Pub is the Hub grant and House’s own money.

Reg Clarke, Pub is the Hub regional advisor added: “Anouska has done a wonderful job at the Miner’s Arms and in common with many other fantastic licensees has placed herself at the heart of the community. We were delighted to give her a modest grant to open the shop and will continue to offer her support and advice where we can.”

The Pub is the Hub campaign provides support for rural licensees looking to broaden their services.