THE Halfway House Inn which settles at the bottom of the hill in the beautiful village of Kingsand on the Rame Peninsula has an interesting history.

Believed to date back to the 17th Century, it was once the border house between Devon and Cornwall, the divider being the small stream which runs under the building.

Kingsand itself was in Devon, and its twin village of Cawsand was in Cornwall, and this unusual state of affairs lasted until 1835.

The Halfway House is now definitely Cornish, but just to confuse matters it boasts two addresses which are either Fore Street, Kingsand, or Garrett Street, Cawsand.

But for the popular landlord and landlady of this attractive inn, the address makes no difference, as many people discover the delights of the cosy ambience they have created, plus the excellent selection of real ales, and the delicious food.

Seafood

To say the Halfway House is a 'foodie'venue would be an understatement, as owners for the last 10 years, David and Sarah Riggs, have made it their business to serve up a delicious daily cuisine to suit all tastes, from the traditional pub food to some wonderful specialities, which are mainly seafood, most of which is supplied locally.

You also have the choice to eat anywhere in the bar itself, or in the small and informal dining room which leads off from it. This is a very relaxed pub and families are made welcome.

And talking of families, Sarah recently announced that she is to become a mum for the first time in May next year, news which has delighted not only David, but also all the staff and pub regulars, especially Sarah's sister , Justine Tidmarsh, who is also the manager.

Also on the staff are chef Diane Preston from Torpoint, who is assisted by Jo Ogilvie, and behind the bar are Margaret Green, otherwise known by the nickname 'Cruella' , Alan Jarvis, Michelle Hill, Angie Foster and Yvonne Fernandez.

Head waitress for many years has been Jessica Sanderson.

David and Sarah are particularly proud of their accommodation, which comprises six en suite rooms which are busy all the year round.

Roomy and decorated in pleasant pastel shades, they are particularly popular not only with visitors to the area, but also with some of the regular clientele from nearby Plymouth (just a ferry ride away), who like nothing better than to spend a relaxing day in the village, enjoy the Halfway Inn's cuisine, and joining with the locals in the evening, and then being able to stay over until the next day.

'It is the ideal break on the doorstep,' says Sarah.

Helping to keep the accommodation in tip-top condition along with the rest of the premises are local sisters Bet Carhart and Bev Hulcoop who have been with the Riggs' ever since they first took over.

Many customers come from HMS Raleigh and this is reflected by some nautical artefacts around the walls.

These include ships badges given to the pub by Daedales, Opportune, Birmingham, Brilliant, Broadsword and Andrew.

Harmony

However, the overall style is mildly Victorian, and in the winter there is a welcome warm glow from a large central fire.

Popular with visitors and locals alike, the pub hosts a quiz on Thursdays in the winter, with a jackpot, which guarantees a packed night, and a tradition which David and Sarah have inherited, is the visit from members of the Rame Peninsula Male Voice Choir every Wednesday. After their weekly practice some of the choir turn up and literally 'sing for their supper'.

The group have become known as the 'Halfway Harmony'.

The pub sells the choir's CDs, and on the wall is an artistic plaque dedicated to Rame Choir, and made by customer Chris Mann.

He has also made a lovely corn dolly which he says is to do with fertility.

'I touched it, so it must work,' laughs Sarah.

On the cold wet day the Cornish Times arrived, there were three visiting families from Twickenham in Middlesex on a short break at Antony, who were glad to find the warmth of the pub's fire and the home cooked food, to help them while away a couple of hours.

Dawn Buckley, Laura Grimwood and Corinna Wilson had all met at antenatal classes, and have remained friends ever since, their babies all being born within three days of each other.

They were enjoying the change of scenery along with their husbands and their 14-month-old toddlers, and were complimentary about the relaxed atmosphere and the excellent lunch they had enjoyed.

Regulars Mark Skinner and Russell Cassidy also said how much they enjoy the company, and the 'good beer' in their local.

Success

Mark owns Kingsand's car park, next door to the pub, while Russell is a nearby neighbour.

Michael George who has been in the village for about two years, likes to sit on the same stool in the corner of the bar most lunchtimes to enjoy a quiet pint.

'It suits me here, I really like the Halfway,' he said.

For David and Sarah, who came to Kingsand from Somerset, the popularity of the Halfway Inn has been down to much hard work.

When they bought the pub it was closed down, and they set about a complete refurbishment before opening it up again.

Their success has led to them being mentioned in the Good Pub Guide for 2001, having already been there for the year 2000.

They are South West Tourist Board-recommended and are in the AA guide to Best Pubs and Inns, and the Good Food in the Westcountry book.

They are also in the National Trail Companion and have received recommendations in a variety of other publications.

Patter

As well as being busy at the pub, the couple are also very much part of the community.

David is secretary of the Rame Association of Traders (RATS) and is also responsible for the village website.

Sarah has been greatly involved in the Kingsand/Cawsand regeneration projects, but given the Halfway is soon to experience the patter of tiny feet, she has decided to put her own up for a while, and take life a little more easily.