Everyone flocks to the Roseland Peninsula for the beaches, but the best-kept secret up here isn't on the coast at all. It's at the top of the hill in Gerrans, in a pub that most visitors drive straight past.
The Standard Inn
The Standard Inn sits on Treloan Lane in Gerrans, at the top of the hill from Portscatho on Cornwall's beautiful Roseland Peninsula. From the outside, it looks like any village local. Step inside, though, and you'll find flagstone floors, roaring fires in winter, and a south-facing beer garden that catches the sun beautifully in summer. It has the warmth and ease of a proper Cornish pub, but the food tells a different story entirely.
This is an independent freehouse run by Simon Stallard and Jemma Glass, who also happen to be the founders of The Hidden Hut on Porthcurnick Beach. While the Hut has become a phenomenon in its own right, the Standard flies quietly under the radar. Stallard and Glass took on the then-derelict building in 2022 and brought it back to life as a proper village pub with seriously good cooking.
The kitchen runs a wood-fired grill, and the menu changes weekly depending on what's landed and what's in season. You might find day boat scallops seared over the flames, wood-roasted chicken with crispy potatoes that people genuinely rave about, or grilled bass with the skin blistered just right. The specials board is always worth a look — Cull Yaw and monkfish have both appeared to rave reviews. Desserts hold their own too; the sticky toffee pudding and brownies are not to be missed.
To drink, expect a thoughtful selection of hand-picked wines alongside real ales, including local pours from Verdant Brewing. It's the sort of place where you can happily nurse a pint by the fire or settle in for a proper three-course dinner.
Prices sit in the mid-range for Cornwall — you're looking at roughly £15–20 for a main course, which feels fair for the quality. Several regulars reckon it's better value than most spots around Padstow or Falmouth. The Standard currently holds a 4.8-star rating on Google from around 200 reviews, which for a village pub of this size is quietly remarkable.
Booking is strongly recommended, especially for dinner and during summer. Tables open 60 days in advance through their website, or you can email [email protected] for groups of eight or more. Opening hours vary by season — in summer the pub is open Monday to Saturday noon to 9pm and Sunday noon to 4:30pm, while in winter they typically open Wednesday to Sunday. Lunch runs noon until 3pm and dinner from 5pm. Check the website for current hours.
You'll find it at Treloan Lane, Gerrans, Portscatho, Truro, TR2 5EB. There's parking at the pub, and dogs are welcome throughout — expect complimentary treats and water bowls by the bar.
If you're staying on the Roseland, this is your local. You just didn't know it yet.
