Independent Cornish spirits producer and hospitality operator Pocketful of Stones has overseen the investment of £100,000 in the Red Lion, Newlyn, following the historic harbour-side pub’s first successful summer under the company’s management.
Following a two-week closure, The Red Lion has reopened after a sensitive refurbishment that enhances the venue, while retaining its traditional character.
Upgrades include refreshed toilets and a new-look bar area, alongside work to the pub’s floors and ceilings. The new courtyard will give customers more space to enjoy the pub in summer, while the log burners will make it a cosy spot for a winter visit by the harbour.
Pocketful of Stones took on the Red Lion with Admiral Taverns after the pub closed at the end of 2025, amid concern locally that Newlyn could lose another traditional pub. The business reopened the site in February 2026 and has since built a young local team led by manager Todd Kyle and assistant manager Lydia Chappell, with chef George Mitchell heading the kitchen.
The venue has introduced a broader range of Cornish beers, wines and spirits, alongside a food offer rooted in familiar Cornish pub dishes with a seasonal, locally sourced emphasis. A programme of outdoor barbecues, live music and themed events has also supported the pub’s return as a meeting place for local residents and visitors.
On the refurbishment, Mike Cunliffe, co-owner of Pocketful of Stones, said: “We are delighted to have completed this latest phase of investment at the Red Lion. The refurbishment has given us the opportunity to refresh the pub’s spaces and create an even more comfortable, enjoyable setting for everyone who visits.
It has been brilliant to see the pub busy again, with people coming together over a drink, a meal or a relaxed evening with friends and family. We are grateful for the support Newlyn has shown since we took on the Red Lion, and we are looking forward to building on that momentum in the months ahead.”
The Red Lion recently received a Silver Plastic Free Champion Award from Plastic Free Penzance, recognising steps taken to reduce single-use plastic in its day-to-day operation.
The pub is Pocketful of Stones’ third hospitality venue, alongside its Penzance bar and tasting room and Falmouth shop. Founded in 2016 as a small-batch Cornish spirits producer, the company is marking its tenth anniversary this September and has grown into a 30-strong business spanning production, retail and hospitality.
Over the past decade, Pocketful of Stones has sold more than 500,000 bottles and hosted more than 20,000 tasting visitors across its venues, while exporting to markets including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Hungary. The company produces 23 handcrafted products across eight spirit categories, including Caspyn Gin, Dr Squid Gin, Hell’s Stone Whisky, King of Prussia Spiced Rum and Morveren Absinthe.
In the past 18 months, the business has also invested more than £300,000 in new stills, increasing its production capacity by more than fourfold and creating local jobs. Its tenth-anniversary activity includes the launch of Caspyn Ten, a limited-edition release celebrating its flagship Caspyn Gin.
For further information, visit Pocketful of Stones.
(Photography: Sam Breeze).
