Sharp’s Brewing Co. is celebrating Cask Ale Week by spotlighting its new Quality Cask Club, an initiative that recognises pubs dedicated to serving exceptional cask-conditioned beer. This year, the club proudly features six Cornish pubs as “cask champions,” each receiving promotional materials like a handcrafted wooden plaque, framed certificate, and bespoke beer clip badge, along with exclusive digital training resources.
Nigel Maguire, Marketing Controller at Sharp’s Brewing Co., emphasised the brewery’s commitment to the cask ale category, stating, “Cask Ale Week provides an extra opportunity to highlight the extra qualities and care and attention that goes into not only brewing, but also treating and serving, the perfect pint of cask ale.” The club’s launch reflects Sharp’s mission to champion cask beer year-round, educating the public that cask ale is a distinctively British, “live” product.
Sharp’s Brewing Co., founded in 1994 and now the largest brewer of cask beer in the South West, has a rich history of quality and innovation, boasting over 200 brewing awards. The brewery has also recently refreshed its cask and keg range with a contemporary, youthful design inspired by its Cornish surroundings. In anticipation of Cask Ale Week 2025 (September 18th–28th), Sharp’s will also release a unique limited-edition brew.
The Front, Falmouth
A true Falmouth institution, The Front, situated on Customs House Quay, reopened in 2022 under new management and has since been celebrated as a community cornerstone. Awarded CAMRA Kernow’s Pub of the Year 2023 and recognised nationally, it offers an ever-changing selection of quality cask ales. Manager Max Bosley highlighted the pub’s pride in serving top-quality ale and creating a welcoming space, noting the honour of being recognised by Sharp’s for their dedication.
The Mariners, Rock
This award-winning gastropub boasts a prime waterfront location overlooking the Camel Estuary. Reopened in 2019 under Paul and Emma Ainsworth, The Mariners was ranked the third-best gastropub in the UK in the 2024 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs Awards. General Manager Michael Faraway stated that serving exceptional cask ale is at the heart of their operation, acknowledging the team’s dedication to keeping every pint at its best.
The Golden Lion, Padstow
As the oldest remaining pub in Padstow, The Golden Lion, a Grade II listed building dating back to 1783, is steeped in history. Run by the Rickard family for nearly 40 years, it’s a central part of the local community. Martin Rickard shared that for them, a great pint of cask ale is an experience, and joining the club honours their team’s effort in serving cask at its very best, celebrating tradition while welcoming new drinkers.
The Ship Inn, Lerryn
Nestled in a picturesque riverside setting, The Ship Inn was lovingly restored in 2023. Known for its warm welcome, live music nights, and locally sourced food, it also offers B&B rooms. Shane Pollard from The Ship Inn expressed pride in being recognised by Sharp’s, emphasising the team’s hard work in maintaining beer in perfect condition and the pub’s role in keeping cask ale at the heart of the community.
The Cornishman, Crantock
Located a short stroll from Crantock’s stunning beach, The Cornishman is a family-friendly pub with a spacious beer garden, popular with locals and holidaymakers. Dave Ruddick of The Cornishman shared their pride in being part of the club, reflecting the team’s passion for serving cask ale at its very best and their excitement to celebrate cask ale’s importance in pub life.
The Pheasant, St Newlyn East
This much-loved village pub is a true community hub, known for its friendly atmosphere, hearty homecooked food, and well-kept ales. General Manager James Wilson highlighted that cask ale is an artform and tradition closely associated with the British pub, and that being lauded for their effort in presenting a great pint is rewarding. He recommends looking for accredited pubs for those new to cask ale, noting the variety of flavours available.
The pubs in the Cask Quality Club exemplify the dedication to beer quality, community spirit, and authentic charm that Sharp’s aims to celebrate, reinforcing the enduring appeal of cask ale.
For more information on Sharps Brewing Co. head on over to their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
