At one time there were reputedly more than 30 breweries in the maritime town of Penryn. Granted a charter in the year 1216, Penryn is one of the oldest towns in Cornwall, preceding its now larger neighbour Falmouth by some 200 years and in the 15th Century it was a major port.
A real sense of this history is evident in the 'old town' where traditional stone terraces, 'opes' and alleys, which contain some 250 listed buildings, give a real flavour of a bygone era. As well as its maritime history, Penryn has a rich educational heritage which began in 1265 with the founding of Glasney College and continues today with the siting of the University and the awarding of 'Academy' status to its local secondary school.
'The Thirsty Scholar' is one of Penryn's listed building, set in the historic heart of the town, on a site that has been a brewery or a hostelry for more than six hundred years. Much of its history is shrouded in the midsts of time, but it is known that the large, sheltered beer garden which remains today behind the street facade, once extended down to the river front. In those days, inns and taverns were infamous as centres for the landing and distribution of contraband and so this waterfront access would have been an important link and a meeting place for smugglers and their accomplices. Many a clandestine meeting would have taken place here and doubtless, some colourful skirmishes too.
Whilst stories exist of rogue landlords and landladies who, being reluctant to leave, still 'visit' the pub today, the only recent sighting was in February 2012 whilst the present owners were preparing for a Valentines Day Wedding party. The fire was lit, the tables were set and the current owner's daughter thought to take a photograph of this inviting scene. What she hadn't bargained for when lining up the perfect shot, was the ghostly figure of a woman before the fireplace which had not been apparent to the naked eye. Some say it is imagination and some that it is a flaring of the flames on the lens. Some are just unwilling to accept such events, but you can judge for yourself when you visit.
These days, 'The Scholar' provides a warm welcome and an interesting menu of fresh, home cooked food, all of which is locally sourced wherever possible. Our real ales and cyders are local too, with our nearest brewery just up the hill and our cyder maker just ten miles away. We are mindful of the the days when pubs had to make their own supplies or source from close by and we are eager to preserve that heritage.
A real sense of this history is evident in the 'old town' where traditional stone terraces, 'opes' and alleys, which contain some 250 listed buildings, give a real flavour of a bygone era. As well as its maritime history, Penryn has a rich educational heritage which began in 1265 with the founding of Glasney College and continues today with the siting of the University and the awarding of 'Academy' status to its local secondary school.
'The Thirsty Scholar' is one of Penryn's listed building, set in the historic heart of the town, on a site that has been a brewery or a hostelry for more than six hundred years. Much of its history is shrouded in the midsts of time, but it is known that the large, sheltered beer garden which remains today behind the street facade, once extended down to the river front. In those days, inns and taverns were infamous as centres for the landing and distribution of contraband and so this waterfront access would have been an important link and a meeting place for smugglers and their accomplices. Many a clandestine meeting would have taken place here and doubtless, some colourful skirmishes too.
Whilst stories exist of rogue landlords and landladies who, being reluctant to leave, still 'visit' the pub today, the only recent sighting was in February 2012 whilst the present owners were preparing for a Valentines Day Wedding party. The fire was lit, the tables were set and the current owner's daughter thought to take a photograph of this inviting scene. What she hadn't bargained for when lining up the perfect shot, was the ghostly figure of a woman before the fireplace which had not been apparent to the naked eye. Some say it is imagination and some that it is a flaring of the flames on the lens. Some are just unwilling to accept such events, but you can judge for yourself when you visit.
These days, 'The Scholar' provides a warm welcome and an interesting menu of fresh, home cooked food, all of which is locally sourced wherever possible. Our real ales and cyders are local too, with our nearest brewery just up the hill and our cyder maker just ten miles away. We are mindful of the the days when pubs had to make their own supplies or source from close by and we are eager to preserve that heritage.