'Alex' is Cornwall pub of the year

l Peter and Rose Featherstone, outside the 'Alex', in Peter's other pride and Joy - the'Duchess'

July 2, 2006: The Alexandra Inn, Penzance, has fought off competition from within a particularly strong final shortlist to be named Cornwall pub of the year by the county’s branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Landlord Peter Featherstone, who runs the pub with his wife Rose, admits he was “gobsmacked” when CAMRA Kernow chairman Rod Davis dropped in for a pint and gave him the good news. He feels it’s the culmination of four years of hard work with great support from a team of good staff and some supercustomers.

“We’ve got some lovely, lovely people that use this pub and I’m proud to be associated with them,” said Peter.

The beer selection offered, which centres on Cornish ales from Skinner’s, of Truro, is maintained in response to the taste of regular customers, and none is more supportive than John Davis, a CAMRA member of long standing who is full of praise for the Featherstones’ efforts. He says there’s always a good range of real ale styles and they are kept in tip-top condition.

l Alex stalwart John Davis donated this CAMRA mirror from his personal collection in recognition of the pub's win

He enjoys coming to the Alex, as it is fondly known, for the beer, of course, and the company, and claims that if one ever wants advice on any subject, there’s generally someone at the bar who will have the answer. “There’s always interesting people to chat to, such as fishermen and engineers.”

Being a freehouse Peter can choose whichever beers he wants, although there is a heavy bias towards the Cornish breweries, such as Sharp’s, Doghouse and Organic.

The pub offers a gentle quirkiness that many will enjoy. There is some food offered, which Pete cooks to order, although there are no set meal hours. A retractable Scalextrix track folds down from the wall for the amusement of both landlord and customers, and woe betide anyone who lets their mobile phone ring in the bar – that’ll be a ‘fine’ in the charity box, thank you.

And then there’s the ‘Duchess’ – a bright orange classic Ford roaster that Pete has lovingly restored himself, and which can often be seen darting about around town.

The secret of the Alex’s success, of course, is the strong bond between landlord and landlady. The banter is playful and dry, but the partnership works well. “In this game you have to have a strong relationship,” say Peter, and that it plainly is.