The Golden Lion in Port Isaac, known to millions as the Crab & Lobster in ITV’s Doc Martin, is preparing to welcome customers back just weeks after financial difficulties forced it to shut its doors
Fans of Doc Martin and lovers of traditional Cornish pubs have reason to celebrate, as The Golden Lion is set to reopen after an unexpected closure earlier this year.
Perched above the picturesque harbour in Port Isaac, the historic pub became internationally famous when it appeared as the fictional Crab & Lobster in the hit ITV series starring Martin Clunes.
A Welcome Return for a Much-Loved Village Pub
The Golden Lion closed suddenly in February 2026 after the management company Cornish Inns cited severe cash flow pressures during the quieter winter months.
The news came as a shock to both locals and visitors, many of whom regard the pub as the social heart of Port Isaac.
However, the closure appears to have been short-lived. The pub announced on social media that it would be reopening soon, telling customers: “We’re back open soon! We’re looking forward to welcoming you back into our friendly pub!”
St Austell Brewery, which owns the building, confirmed that pints would once again be poured within days.
The Pub Behind the Fictional Crab & Lobster
For fans of Doc Martin, The Golden Lion is instantly recognisable.
The long-running television drama transformed Port Isaac into the fictional village of Portwenn, attracting visitors from across the UK and around the world. The Golden Lion featured prominently as the local watering hole where villagers gathered and where Dr Martin Ellingham often appeared throughout the series.
The pub’s balcony offers spectacular views over the harbour and surrounding coastline, making it one of Cornwall’s most iconic pub settings.
More Than Just a TV Landmark
The Golden Lion is far more than a filming location.
Believed to date back several centuries, the traditional inn is renowned for:
- Stunning harbour views
- Open fires and cosy interiors
- Locally sourced Cornish food
- Award-winning St Austell ales
- Dog-friendly facilities
- Historic smuggling tunnels beneath the building
Its rich history and dramatic coastal setting have made it one of the most photographed and visited pubs in Cornwall.
A Positive Sign for Britain’s Pub Industry
The reopening is welcome news at a time when many pubs continue to face rising costs, staff shortages and challenging trading conditions.
Across Britain, the pub sector has endured increasing pressure from energy costs, wages, taxation and changing consumer habits. Every successful reopening demonstrates how deeply pubs remain woven into the communities they serve.
In villages like Port Isaac, the local pub is far more than a place to enjoy a pint. It acts as a meeting point, a tourist attraction and a vital part of the local economy.
Why Port Isaac Remains a Must-Visit Destination
Port Isaac itself is one of Cornwall’s most charming fishing villages, with narrow lanes, whitewashed cottages and a working harbour that has changed little over the centuries.
Visitors can explore:
- Doc Martin filming locations
- Independent shops and galleries
- Coastal walks along the South West Coast Path
- Fresh seafood restaurants
- Nearby beaches and hidden coves
For many visitors, a pint at The Golden Lion is an essential part of the Port Isaac experience.
The Pub Lives On
The Golden Lion’s swift return highlights the enduring importance of great British pubs.
For Doc Martin fans, it means another chance to step inside one of television’s most memorable locations. For locals, it restores an important community hub. And for pub lovers everywhere, it is another reminder that Britain’s most iconic pubs continue to fight back.
If you are planning a trip to Cornwall, The Golden Lion is once again ready to welcome you with sea views, Cornish ales and a slice of television history.
