Cornwall's best pub is just across the Tamar

If you've been looking for a good excuse to cross the Tamar this weekend, here's a fairly hard one to argue with. The Two Bridges Inn in Saltash was crowned the best pub in Cornwall after taking the top spot in CornwallLive's Pub of the Year 2025 competition, and it's only a short trip over from Plymouth.

The pub sits at 13 Albert Road, run by Tanisha and Lauren, and its biggest draw is the huge beer garden that looks straight out over the Royal Albert Bridge and the River Tamar. It's the kind of view that does half the work for you on a sunny afternoon, and the owners are quick to credit the regulars for the atmosphere. "The locals make our pub so special, their loyalty to the pub and the genuine community spirit is amazing," they said. "You can walk in here as a stranger on your own and you'll leave with lifelong friends."

That bridge is no minor backdrop, either. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, work began in 1848, with the first main truss floated out on 1 September 1857 and the second on 10 July 1858. Prince Albert officially opened it on 2 May 1859, and it's been Grade I listed since 17 January 1952. It stretches 2,187.5 feet across the water, with two main spans of 455 feet each, standing 100 feet above the river. It's a lot of engineering to have as a view from your table, and it's a good reminder of why the Tamar valley is worth the trip in its own right.

As for what's on the table, the kitchen leans on local ingredients with a menu that covers the pub classics: gourmet burgers, beer-battered fish and chips, and vegetarian options for when you're not in the mood for the usual. At the bar you'll find real ales, local ales, craft beers, wines and spirits, so there's plenty to choose from whether you're there for a proper pint or something softer. It's family-friendly and dog-friendly, so no one needs to be left behind, and there's free high-speed Wi-Fi if you're the type who can't quite switch off.

Getting there is easy enough. The pub is near Saltash train station and is served by several bus routes, so you don't even need to drive if you'd rather let the drinks do their thing. On opening hours, it runs Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 23:00, stays open until midnight on the Saturday, and closes at 22:00 on the Sunday, which gives you plenty of scope to plan your visit around the weekend. If you want to check anything before you set off, you can reach them on 01752 848952 or (01752) 242244, or drop a note to twobridgessalt@gmail.com. With a CornwallLive title behind it and a view like that, it's a strong shout for a drink this weekend.