A historic pub in Hayle is enjoying a new lease of life after being taken over by new landlords, Huw and Claire Williams.

The Cornish Arms was taken over by the new landlords last year, and has seen a 40 per cent increase in turnover with Sunday business increasing by 70 per cent, fuelled by the pub's hugely popular roasts.

A 19th century shop turned pub, the building originally sold the wines and spirits of Hayle's own Ellis Brewery before beginning to sell beer after 1870 that was produced just a few metres away at the Steam Brewery, now Brewery Court.

Over the years The Cornish Arms became a traditional pub, a popular spot for the miners, foundry and shipyard workers of West Cornwall.

Claire and Huw took over the pub last year and the building was given a make-over, with wood burners, new sofas, a book library, children's toys and a projector for film nights.

Claire Williams said: “We want the pub to be at the heart of the community, and for everyone to feel welcome.

"For example, we are very family-focused, and welcome dogs.

"We are working with lots of community groups to provide a base for their activities, and have a busy schedule of events and live music planned.”

Adam Luck, St Austell Brewery estate director, said: “It’s fantastic to see The Cornish Arms in Hayle become a thriving eating and drinking house, and a centre for the community once again.

"Claire and Huw have done a great job of attracting new customers, bringing a real buzz back to a building with a long and fascinating history.”

A new kitchen team was also appointed, led by consultant chef Ryan Venning, the co-founder of The Little Gem Catering Company.

Ryan has overseen the creation of a menu featuring pub classics made using quality local produce, such as meat sourced from The Brian Etherington Meat company and fish from Matthew Stevens Cornish Fish.

Ryan is also mentoring head chef Jordan George, who at the age of just 22 is one of Cornwall's most promising young chefs.

Jordan said: "It’s a challenge as we can do a lot of covers, especially on a Sunday, but I’m loving it.

"I’m keen to learn as much as I can from this experience, and from working with Ryan.”

Claire Williams said: “We want the pub to be at the heart of the community, and for everyone to feel welcome.

"For example, we are very family-focused, and welcome dogs.

"We are working with lots of community groups to provide a base for their activities, and have a busy schedule of events and live music planned.”