St Austell Brewery has announced a multi-million pound investment at one of St Ives’ most iconic venues.
The Pedn Olva, prominently positioned overlooking Porthminster Beach, will close in January and reopen in early summer 2025. The major scheme includes reconfigured layouts, enhanced accessibility, improved flow, and new outdoor spaces to make the most of the unrivalled location.
Sustainable principles are at the heart of the new scheme, and the transformation not only seeks to enhance the physical space, but also aims to honour the hotel’s heritage and its deep connection to the coast.
Built on the site of a former engine house for the nearby copper mine at Pedn Olva Point, inspiration from the location’s rich history will flow through the pub’s new look. Visitors will be welcomed by a new lobby, complete with a granite installation and a criss-cross staircase - a focal point showcasing the incredible sea views.
Working closely with regional suppliers, and carefully curated partners, locally-sourced materials such as granite will feature prominently throughout the project. Natural elements, including wood and copper, will add texture and character, further nodding to the neighbouring coastline.
The communal areas in the new design have been reconfigured to create open, inviting areas that flow naturally toward the sea. A new, larger dining space will more than double the pub’s capacity. Menus will showcase local flavours and suppliers, including fresh fish and seafood from St Ives’ Matthew Stevens.
To the back of the hotel, overlooking the bay, long bifold doors will open onto a new terrace area, which will sit over 40 guests. On the west side of the building, a new rooftop terrace will feature decking and coastal planters, creating a relaxed beach bar atmosphere. To pay homage to St Ives’ rich art culture, local artists will have their work showcased throughout the new scheme, including unique sculptures and commissioned art.
The transformation scheme also includes the reimagining of 26 bedrooms. Larger windows will frame the sweeping ocean views, while rooms – a mix of sizes and styles – will incorporate colours and materials inspired by the coast.
Visitors can expect reclaimed driftwood headboards, whitewashed cladding, and warm tones of rust and blue. Nespresso machines, rainfall showers and Hypnos mattresses will be standard across all rooms, alongside mini bars offering St Austell Brewery’s beers. As well as the cosmetic and layout updates, the pub’s structural, mechanical, and electrical systems will also be upgraded.
Kevin Georgel, chief executive of St Austell Brewery, said: “This multi-million-pound transformation is designed to redefine the guest experience at one of our most iconic sites and create a space for the Pedn Olva where innovative design harnesses its unparalleled location.
“Our vision for this project is clear: we want to create a space which better celebrates the Pedn Olva’s breathtaking surroundings. It’s an ambitious project that will unlock the venue’s true potential and open up more panoramic views of the sea. Reimagining and redesigning the interiors will create more inviting spaces that bring the outdoors in.
“The pub with room’s spaces will be radically redesigned to seamlessly blend with the natural landscape; from floor-to-ceiling windows to expansive terraces, every detail has been carefully planned to maximise light, enhance the connection to the environment, and showcase the beauty of the coast.”
Kevin added: “Our aspiration is to create a warm and welcoming pub atmosphere, year-round. A space where locals and visitors alike can relax, eat well or simply enjoy a drink taking in the surroundings. We look forward to giving our guests a very warm welcome once the Pedn Olva reopens in early summer 2025.”
The Pedn Olva has been part of St Austell Brewery’s managed estate for the past 25 years. During the closure, all team members will be redeployed across other pubs in the estate before returning for training at the new-look site ahead of the reopening.
The Pedn Olva is the fifth managed pub in St Austell Brewery’s portfolio to undergo a multi-million pound capital expenditure refurbishment in the last three years. Previous projects include the Pier House in Charlestown, the Rising Sun in St Mawes and the Harbour Inn in Porthleven.
To celebrate the start of the Pedn Olva’s refurbishment, an open evening with live music will be held on Wednesday, January 8 from 5.30pm. During the event, people can view the designs and meet the team behind the transformation, including designers KDPA, who were behind the previous renovations of two more St Austell Brewery pubs.
The pub will close on January 9 for the work to begin, with the new look set to be unveiled in early summer 2025. To preview the new design, visit: pednolva.co.uk/new-look/