A LIVING PIECE OF CORNISH HISTORY

Set on the edge of Restronguet Creek, The Pandora is a historic Cornish inn with centuries of stories, a remarkable waterside setting and a warm welcome that continues today.

OVERVIEW

Parts of The Pandora date back to the 13th century, with flagstone floors, low beams, maritime character and a thatched roof that make the building feel as though it belongs completely to the creek around it. Over the years, it has been a farm, a passage house, an inn and a much-loved destination for locals, sailors, walkers and visitors. Its name is tied to HMS Pandora and Captain Edwards, while its more recent story includes the devastating fire of 2011 and the careful restoration that followed.

Today, under John and Tom, The Pandora begins a new chapter, honouring its past while continuing to offer great food, local drink and genuine Cornish hospitality.

A PLACE SHAPED BY THE CREEK

The Pandora has always been more than a pub. Its position on Restronguet Creek has shaped its character for centuries, from its early life as a farm and passage house to its role today as a waterside destination for food, drink and memorable days out.

Guests arrive by boat, on foot, by bike and by car, drawn by the setting as much as the inn itself. The pontoon, the views, the low-beamed rooms and the warm welcome all form part of the experience.

In March 2025, John and Tom reopened The Pandora following a thoughtful refurbishment, bringing fresh energy to one of Cornwall’s most distinctive inns. Their approach is simple: protect the character, raise the standard and make every guest feel properly looked after.

The result is a place that feels both historic and alive.

CENTURIES BY THE WATER

The story of The Pandora reaches back centuries. Parts of the inn date to the 13th century, when a small farm stood on the edge of Restronguet Creek. By 1488, the Restronguet Estate Accounts recorded the rent as 8s 4d a year, marking one of the earliest written references to the place that would later become one of Cornwall’s best-loved inns.

The building was later known as the Passage House, a practical stop on an important route between Falmouth and Truro. A passing boat once operated from here, offering the shortest route before the Truro turnpike opened in 1828. Over time, the building became an inn known as The Ship, serving travellers, locals and those moving along the creek.

HMS PANDORA AND CAPTAIN EDWARDS

The name The Pandora was adopted in memory of HMS Pandora, the naval ship sent to Tahiti to capture the mutineers of Captain Bligh’s Bounty.

In 1791, HMS Pandora struck the Great Barrier Reef and sank, with the loss of many crew and prisoners. Her captain, Captain Edward Edwards, returned to Cornwall after the disaster and is reputed to have bought the inn. The name remains a lasting link between this quiet creekside setting and one of the great maritime stories of the 18th century.

THE FIRE AND RESTORATION

On 24 March 2011, The Pandora suffered a devastating fire. The first floor was destroyed, leaving only charred timbers behind. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

What followed was a careful and determined restoration. As a Grade II listed building, The Pandora had to be rebuilt using traditional materials and methods, preserving the character of the inn while bringing new life to the spaces damaged by the fire.

The building was re-thatched, the chimneys were rebuilt and the first-floor dining room was transformed into a striking vaulted space with traditionally pegged green oak beams. Reminders of the fire were also retained, including scorched windowsills and a small section of burnt beam, allowing the building to carry its history honestly into the present.

A NEW CHAPTER

In March 2025, John and Tom began the next chapter of The Pandora, reopening the inn after a thoughtful refurbishment. Their vision is to build on everything people already love about the place: its history, its setting, its atmosphere and its reputation for quality.

Today, The Pandora continues to balance old and new. It remains a traditional Cornish inn, full of character and stories, while offering seasonal food, local drinks and a level of care that reflects the expectations of today’s guests.

PROUD TO SUPPORT FALMOUTH RUGBY

The Pandora Inn is proud to sponsor the new training tops for Falmouth Rugby Club, supporting a club that brings people together both on and off the pitch.

As a local business, grassroots sport matters to us. It means even more knowing our General Manager, Cam, pulls on the Falmouth shirt himself. Community has always been at the heart of The Pandora, and we are proud to support the people, families, volunteers and supporters who make this part of Cornwall so special.

We will be cheering Falmouth Rugby Club on every step of the way.

For the latest fixtures, results and club updates, visit the Falmouth Rugby Club website.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WELCOME

Behind every visit to The Pandora is a team working hard to make the experience feel effortless.

From the kitchen and bar to the floor team and those working behind the scenes, The Pandora is shaped by people who care about good food, friendly service and the details that make a visit memorable.

John

 

Polly

 

Jack

 

Toby

 

Rob

 

Tom

 
Join the team

LOCAL FRIENDS & USEFUL LINKS

The Pandora is part of a wonderful local community, from the makers and suppliers who help bring our spaces to life to nearby places that help guests make more of their visit.