A HISTORIC brewpub in St Agnes has been awarded a prestigious AA Rosette for outstanding food, putting it in the top 10 per cent UK eateries.

The Driftwood Spars in Trevaunance Cove has been praised for its “culinary excellence” and “the stand-out experience diners can expect from the moment they enter the restaurant”.

The inspector also praised the breadth of the menu, noting the “ample choice” from comforting pub classics to inventive specials; and the local sourcing policy and relationships with small growers, fishermen, and farmers were also highlighted as major strengths.

Drifty landlady Louise Treseder said: “We’re thrilled with our AA Rosette Award. It’s a testament to the hard work of our head chef, Tom Bennetts, his kitchen team, and the entire staff. The inspector praised the whole experience as honest and unpretentious, with genuine warmth.

“We don’t aspire to fine dining, and our style of service is far from formal. Instead, this award reflects our use of quality local produce, attention to detail and consistency, and the genuinely warm welcome offered by our staff.

“We pride ourselves on being a proper pub at the heart of the community, where visitors can experience true Cornish hospitality in every season.”

Tom Bennetts has been head chef for the past three years and part of the team since 2019. During that time, he reached the final of the South West Chef of the Year competition and the semi-finals of National Chef of the Year two years running.

“We’re a humble pub, and you’ll find everything from burgers and ploughman’s on the menu, to seasonal dishes showcasing spring lamb, Cornish asparagus, and line-caught sea bass,” he said. “I’ve always loved the fact that we’re a brewpub with our own microbrewery – using handcrafted beer in our cooking and creating dishes with beer matches in mind adds a fun extra dimension.”