Pub doubles as grocery store

March 16, 2005: Regulars at a West Cornwall pub can order a pint of a different kind thanks to a community-spirited landlord. When Pendeen's village shop closed down last Easter, North Inn tenant John Coak swung into action and launched a new store at the back of the pub.

Now, John, who runs the St Austell Brewery pub in Pendeen, stocks hundreds of grocery lines from milk to baked beans.

He said: "When the village shop closed down we knew Pendeen had lost a vital service. However, with some space available at the back of the pub, we spotted an ideal opportunity to help out. Obviously, it was a good business move, but providing the shop is really about serving the community, and this is something we plan to continue for the long-term future."

In fact, the North Inn has become so popular with villagers that St Austell Brewery named it community pub of the year at its annual estate awards. The North Inn also won Cornwall Camra's pub of the year award in 2003.

Adam Luck, estates director at St Austell Brewery, said: "At the brewery we're extremely proud of the service John is providing to the community of Pendeen. It's a great example of what the company is about, and that is being at the heart of the community. John is extremely deserving of the Community Pub of the Year award."