The Coryton Arms, set in the picturesque village of St Mellion, is thought to date back to the 14th century. For the past seven years it's popular mine hosts have been Trevor Hewison and his partner Lindsay Nicholls, the pub being owned by Trevor's mother - Wendy.

Lindsay joked: 'When Trevor and I started out it was a case of 'love me, love my pub.' but this is an arrangement that has worked for all parties, as customers are happy and so are Trevor and Lindsay, with their four year old son, Luke and rescue dog, Chips.

The pub was called The Sun Inn until 1981 when Majors Coryton, of the family of Coryton of Pentille Estate (in a neighbouring parish) died. The family originally lived at Crocadon Farm in St Mellion. The pubs name was changed as a tribute to him.

There have been no reported sightings of ghosts at the pub, although a ghostly troup of around fifty soldiers have been seen marching through the village.

The pub boasts two darts team which are in the Saltash and district darts league, and the ladies' section of the Callington and district darts league. The resident pool team is currently in the Tamar Valley pool league and the pub has won more than fifty trophies since Trevor became the landlord.

Most of the food at the pub is home made, and Trevor and Lindsay attempt to buy as much local produce as possible, receiving their meat from Corder and Sons at Plymstock.

First rate food

Trevor explained that the Sunday roasts are becoming more popular and the joint of the day is usually beef, pork or chicken which is served in a separate dining area. The Coryton Arms also uses this room for small functions, such as weddings or parties.

Father Philip Lamb commented: 'This is a true traditional pub, one of a disappearing breed. They serve first rate beer and excellent food.'

He continued: 'In all parishes I have been at, the pub has been most important. You need to form a relationship with the local pub as it is the nerve centre of any community. This is a lovely welcoming pub and they serve a very good pint when it comes to real ales.'

The Coryton Arms serves many local beers, including Skinners, Ring O Bells and Sharps. Trevor explained that their main supplier is Beer Seller from Bodmin. Recently he has introduced a range of cocktails, following his return from holiday.

A group of holidaymakers from Scotland, staying at St Mellion Hotel have, in Lindsay's words, adopted the pub.

One of the group, Jim Black, said: 'We come here for an evening meal and a drink. The welcome we have had here is quite incredible. The owners are lovely and and the food is fabulous. It's the friendliest pub we have ever been in.'

They explained that Trevor dropped the group off at a restaurant on one evening and Lindsay picked them up after their meal, which, they all agreed is extremely kind.

Jim and Marien Black and Max and Cath Stevenson all agreed that the pub is the friendliest they have ever been in.

The Coryton Arms employ one member of staff, Michaela Moore, from Callington, who has been there for two years.

Michaela said: 'I jumped at the chance to work here, as Trevor and I have been friends for years.'

Trevor commented: 'It is hard to find good staff nowadays but we trust Michaela.'

The pub has many locals who all love the pub and one of these is Henry Ashby who lives just across the road.

Henry has lived in St Mellion for over four years and when he first arrived he was told that the pub was Trevor's 'hobby', which has been a running joke ever since. Ex sub mariner Henry is currently in the process of writing a book on wild food cookery, and when on his hedgerow explorations also takes Chips for a walk.

Guy Bristow from Pillaton uses the Coryton Arms as his local because: 'It's a proper pub, with good beer and an excellent atmosphere and unpretentious.' Guy stated: 'Without a doubt The Coryton Arms serves the best Bass in Cornwall.'

Emily Wilkie stays with her boyfriend, Leon Weeks, at his parents' house and they use the pub regularly. She said: 'If anyone ever needs a hand Trevor's always there to help.'

'Fastastic'

James 'Larry' Lamb, the vicar's son, lives in Ashton, near St Dominic and uses The Coryton Arms as his local.

He said: 'There is a fantastic atmosphere here and there is always someone to chat to. They've got a very good pool team and Trevor is currently teaching me to go sea fishing. Everyone really pulls together here and it's a bit of a trading post for the locals as well.'

Another of the pub regulars, when he is home from his travels is Leo Gordon-Marchant, who owns and runs Combat Systems, which makes bomb disposal equipment using the latest technology. The company is 'hands on' and is involved in actual bomb disposal work and land mine clearance in the world's hot spots, including Kosovo, Afghanistan and Cambodia. Leo spends five to six months out of the country and when he gets back this is his first port of call. He said: 'The noise generated in here is conversation. It is a meeting and greeting place and a trading post. The Coryton Arms really is the centre of this community.'

Continuing, he said: 'There is a wonderful atmosphere and an extremely good landlord and lady. When I'm away I can phone up and they'll tell me the cricket scores. This is my second office and when I'm away, Luke, Trevor and Lindsay's son, guards my stool and won't let anyone else sit on it.'

Much of the noise in the pub is conversation but every couple of months karaoke is sung, and Trevor and Lindsay host many barbecues throughout the season, the first one this year being on Easter Monday.

The Coryton Arms is a picturesque family pub where everyone is welcome and there is a good atmosphere and pleasant conversation