Trebellan, North Cornwall. Down steep, narrow lanes near the village of Cubert and into the Hamlet of Trebellan you will find this gorgeous 16th century thatched roof pub. Originally a farmhouse, it became the Trebellan Farm in 1636 and was expanded in 1778 to its current L-shape, including a coach house, stables and tack room. As the name suggests it was a hideout and centre of smuggling activities when it was part of the Ellenglaze Manor estate (mentioned in the doomsday book), being ideally situated as a staging post for the distribution of contraband between the coast (located two miles away) and the villages of Cubert and Crantock. In those days manors were entitles under the "Royalty of Wreckage" to keep any merchandise from wrecked ships that washed ashore on their strip of coastline. Brandy and tea were likely commodities. And of course with all this history the pub must have a resident ghost!

The interior is large and rambling with original oak-beamed ceilings, stone walls, and a long bar that serves large rooms and cozy corners. Out back is a small garden area, and out front is a large beer garden overlooking the surrounding rolling countryside. I started with a Betty Stogs, a malty and floral bitter from Skinner's Brewery in Cornwall, and Bethany a Thatchers Gold Cider. She ordered a delicious duck and pork pate, and I a very tasty steak and ale pie, followed by a classic sticky toffee pudding for dessert. We started the day with a visit to the Trerice Manor House National Trust site (check out bethanytravels.com for more info on that!), and finished at this fabulous pub. A great day in North Cornwall!