If you’ve had a pint in Cornwall, chances are it’s been pulled by St Austell Brewery. From seaside pubs to moorland inns, their beers have become part of the Cornish landscape. But behind every pint of Tribute or Proper Job is nearly two centuries of brewing history, family pride, and a knack for making beers that actually get talked about at the bar.
From 1851 to Today
St Austell Brewery was founded way back in 1851 by Walter Hicks, a Cornishman who started out as a wine merchant before trying his hand at brewing. Turned out he had a talent for it – and the brewery quickly grew into one of the biggest names in the South West.
It’s still independent, still family-owned, and still brewing in the same Cornish town it was born in. That’s part of the charm: while others have been snapped up by multinationals, St Austell has stayed true to its roots.
The Beers That Made Them Famous
- Tribute (4.2%) – Their flagship ale. Amber, balanced, with a citrusy lift that makes it a go-to for locals and tourists alike. Tribute isn’t just a Cornish favourite; it’s found its way onto taps all over the UK.
- Proper Job (4.5%) – A bold, hoppy IPA that packs a punch but stays drinkable. If Tribute is the friendly all-rounder, Proper Job is the one that grabs your attention.
- Korev Lager (4.8%) – Crisp, clean, and brewed with Cornish spring water. A true lager that doesn’t feel mass-produced. Perfect for a beach day pint.
- Jamaica Inn Ale (4.2%) – Brewed exclusively for the famous Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor. Copper-amber, malty, with that dry finish you want in a proper bitter.
What St Austell does well is balance tradition with modern tastes. You can sip a pint of Tribute in a country pub, or grab a Korev after surfing – both feel right in their own way.
Beyond the Brewery – Pubs and People
St Austell isn’t just about beer. The company owns and runs over 170 pubs, inns, and hotels across Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset. From seaside spots with ocean views to historic coaching inns, they’ve got the West Country covered.
And while they’ve grown, they still talk about themselves as a family business. They invest in apprenticeships, sponsor local events, and push sustainability – all things that make you feel like every pint comes with a bit of Cornish pride.
Why It Works
St Austell Brewery has done what a lot of regionals have struggled with: they’ve kept their local identity while spreading nationally. They haven’t tried to become something they’re not – they’ve just made solid, tasty beers that people actually want to drink, and they’ve built a reputation for quality along the way.
Closing Thought:
Next time you order a pint of Tribute, Proper Job, or Korev, remember you’re not just drinking a beer – you’re sipping 170 years of Cornish brewing history. And if you find yourself in Cornwall, do it properly: have it in a St Austell pub with the sea breeze or moorland mist outside.
