The Russell Inn in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

We only went for drinks but enjoyed the authentic atmosphere, friendly welcome and roaring log fire.

Popped in to the Russel Inn one evening for a drink whilst on holiday in Polruan. Nice and cosy pub, good selection of beers and very friendly welcome . Would definitely go back.

Went in for a drink with my elderly mother and other family members to support the village pub whilst on holiday... only to turntail straight out the door! Was met with the most rude local man who made a very unkind comment about my mother when I asked him, very politely, if he would just move his dog a little. And not one other man, there were about 10 of them, said a word to defend us 4 women... very intimidating! Not very welcoming of tourists I feel! The Lugger on the hand was very welcoming, extremely accomodating and great fun.

Locals trying this for the first time. Website looked good, decided to give it a go. Went inside. Waited patiently to see if they had a table. Bar staff saw we entered, only to be pushed in by another to the bar. They were served first, clearly a regular which I get. However not going to stand and wait after clearly being ignored by bar staff. Won’t be returning. Went down to the Lugger, they made all the effort to find us a spot, we’re attentive and didn’t regret this decision at all. Sorry I wish this could have been positive experience

From the start I watched the barman frequently rub his nose and then both handle glasses. When my food arrived, the condiment container was on my plate. I imagine this had been on several other surfaces throughout the day and doubt very much that it had been sanitised before touching my food.

Good company, lovely food shame about the staff! Been coming to the Russell for years, time to give it a rest, until staffing improves, such a shame, I always used to recommend if asked, but sorry I won’t be doing that now.

Arrived in Polruan late Friday afternoon in need of food and drink. Headed into The Russell to a warm friendly greeting. Kitchen opens at 6 so we had a drink whilst waiting for our fish and chips. Fish was beautiful, flakes of fresh white fish in a crispy batter but let down by the chips :-( which were flaccid and pale, just needed a bit longer in hotter oil which would have complemented the fish perfectly.

Great little pub near the harbour. Relaxed atmosphere and nice, friendly staff. The real ale is top quality and there is also a decent range of wines and whiskies. Didn’t try the food, but noted that they are happy for you to buy food from the cafe next door and eat it in the pub.

Overpriced tasteless food, ordered pizza which had half a pound of cheese on it, with a few bits of onion chucked on. Kids had burgers which were tasteless on cheap rolls.

Very friendly helpful and welcoming staff. Relaxed atmosphere. Basic food, I had fish and chips but tasty and good value.

One of only two drinking establishments In Polruan harbour, friendly, pool table(50p) Food available, we had a 12” meat feast pizza takeaway, £12, enjoyable.

We have a house at the top of the hill in Polruan, and visit the Russell Inn quite often. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming with a lovely local feel. They are always happy to do a piece of grilled fish for me so it’s GF and it’s always fresh and tasty. Simple, fresh, tasty food. Reasonable prices, dog friendly with really lovely staff.

There are two pubs down here near the the slip with views of everything going both sides of the estuary and especially the river traffic. This place is in the narrow lane one row back but still very characterful and just moments from the water. Unassuming interior. Apparently they do food but we were here for the pints. Two or three clusters of locals noisily entertaining themselves. Much the kind of pub you’d hope to find down here.

Loved this pub, a real local and really friendly staff. They made us feel very welcome even with a large drooly dog!😀 Food is very basic and they only serve in the evenings but will allow you to eat food on the premises from the little cafe next door. We had a takeaway pizza which was well below average and which the bar person had to make herself leaving the bar empty.... but again, another establishment where there is staffing issues?? As a drinking pub I loved it😀

Nice local pub where the barman was very friendly and the locals welcoming. The pub is a small friendly local place with no frills. If you’re after a nice meal and fancy surroundings then it’s not for you, but if you’re after a beer and some sport then it’s spot on. Almost a shame as it could be much more but equally nice to go into a proper pub that’s not trying to be anything else.

We looked on line for somewhere to eat for lunch and the Russell Inn came up. We caught the ferry from Fowey (great) and found the pub, what a disappointment. First no food but if there had been we would not have eaten there. This...

To put the record straight for the last reviewer I paid with a £10 pound note and got £4.90 change so there is no way I could get that wrong. Also no way the person serving me who I took to be the landlord could...

I just popped in for our usual fish and chips, checked the price of proper job - £4.10. I guess the last reviewer just misheard. As everyone we know who has tried them will testify, the fish and chips here are amongst the best in...

Well it was a first.The first time I paid over £5.00 for a pint of draught beer in a pub in Cornwall, Proper Job £5.10 You don't ask the price in advance as you expect it to be around prices charged elsewhere. Must be wealthy...

Appalling disgusting rubbish food. I live in this village and I am ashamed by the awful standard in this pub. How about my husband comes and gives you a lesson in how to cook?

Welcoming down to earth pub serving traditional seaside favourites with a smile. Staying in Polruan for the week we drank here a few times and found the staff welcoming and friendly. Good selection of local guns. Decided to eat here and arrived early to grab...

We came to the Russel in as we didn’t have to book. Staff were extremely helpful and super friendly. Great choice of drinks however the pub is let down by its food offerings. If you want deep fried you will be ok. We had fish...

Good honest food at a very reasonable price. Generous portions. Best value of all the restaurants we tried in Polruan and Fowey.

We ate at the restaurant and it was great! Really delicious chips and burgers and good service despite a busy night. The takeaway chicken pizza we got was another matter! It tastes like a cheap store bought pizza and didn't come with half the ingredients...

I visited the Russel inn for just a nice bar meal with my family but when we arrived there I knew we were going to have a much better experience then I previously thought the decorations were lovely and the bar was traditional and well...

Not a mitchelin star place but food is good with a decent portion, for the price paid. Staff friendly would return again.

Unexpectedly sunny Sunday evening when this was the only Polruan pub open. Fantastic food to takeaway and eat at the seafront. Staff overstretched due to unexpected sunny evening but did a great job.

Unfortunately placed in Polruan with no river views and limited outdoor space,.... obviously can’t be helped, however a good menu and customer service (not hearing the landlord effin n Jeffin on a phone call) and conversing with rare customers.... could help make up for this....

I don’t like pub food but its not like you have a choice in this little village, There are literally two places to eat so with not many alternatives I have reluctanlty gone with their food for dinner. Couldnt be more suprised! I had absolutely...

Marvellous food - friendly and a good pint. Enjoyed yet another evening - be aware that portions are enormous!

Not been to the Russell for a few years but delighted to enjoy a meal here on Saturday evening. Fish and chips were fantastic and their short menu managed to appeal to my husband’s odd ball tastes - hoisin duck pizza!! Covid measures were thorough and very friendly welcome from all staff made for a great experience. We will be back!

Had a lovely fish pie at this pub and landlord was happy to bag up the leftovers so we could take back and eat the following day. Also attended the quiz night but due to Covid and size of pub there were only about five teams. Nice selection of beers though.

We were staying in Polruan at Chapel retreat holiday cottage and decided to try out the local inn,we entered this small but cosy in and sat down,ordered our drinks from a friendly young lad and then had a look at the specials board and menu two ordered the fish platter and I ordered the beef burger,we were not disappointed the portions were huge,all well cooked and tasty the onion rings to die for! I would recommend getting there early as quickly fills up,felt very safe with Covid rules etc,with sanitiser on tables etc!nice local beers!Thank you! And dog friendly

Stayed in Polruan recently, and had the fish and chips here. Good food and pleasant staff. Very popular with visitors and locals alike and couldn't get a seat inside or outside there once or twice. The real ales were very welcome after a coastal walk!

What a friendly little pub. Very pleasant young lady and man behind the bar and great atmosphere. Mixture of locals and tourists. I could not believe how good the fish and chips were, the fish so fresh, the batter light. I live close to the sea but have never had fish like this. Beer was good too. Highly recommend a visit.

From the welcome to the dinner at this delightful old pub, a really terrific experience. Staff make the difference as always, and they were just lovely. Thank you

This has got to be the best fish and chips in Cornwall. We took a boat over from Fowey to the other side and tucked into the charming Inn. Couldn’t believe our luck when the enormous and the very best fresh cod and chips arrived !

We were lucky enough to get a walk in table on our first night staying in Polruan, incredibly friendly staff and the fish and chips were 2 die for! Small pub with a locals feeling to it, loved it!

Popped in here for lunch but sadly they'd stopped serving. That didn't stop the friendly and welcoming barman (think he was called Harry) saying 'pop next door for a takeaway sandwich and bring it in'. Thank you! we did that and got a crab sandwich and pasty next door eaten in the pub and washed down with well kept Cornish beer

We were on the Polruan campsite at top of the village. I had read some negative reviews about this place regarding unfriendly locals, homophobic comments etc, but our experience was fantastic. As a gay couple we experienced nothing like this. Lovely young lady behind bar on our first night and other staff excellent as well. The owner appeared approachable and was doing his best in the current Covid crisis. We met some interesting people, mostly on holiday like ourselves. It's dog heaven here if you have one in tow! We didn't eat here, but every evening there were loads of people ordering take away as well as others eating in. Obviously very popular. Both of us completely addicted to Rattler draft cider now and can't wait to return!

Super bar and waiting staff - nothing was too much trouble. We ate in but there was a constant flow on the take away service. Highly recommend the breaded calamari and the fish and chips were the best we had on our stay.

Darts match in full swing - very entertaining. Friendly local pub with great beer. Recommend a pint of Proper Job.

I'm sorry to say that if you are not local you will feel quite unwelcome in this pub. Seemingly they do not seem bothered about attracting business from tourists. A shame as this is the only other pub in the village apart from the Lugger(much friendly!)

Unfortunately we were not made to feel welcome. The local drinkers used bad language and homophobic language. The staff did not seem remotely bothered in fact it seems they could not have cared less about our custom! Good luck I hope the locals keep your business afloat. A real shame as this is one of only two pubs in the village. The Lugger is a much more welcoming pub for tourists in my opinion.

Despite a previous review, food is available just not from the pub. There is a very good associated cafe next door and you pop in there to pLace your order and then the lovely staff deliver it on plates to the pub. we were soaked through and welcomed the chance to drip all over their stone floor and get some warmth back inside us. Beers are well kept and tea and coffee are available and the staff were friendly , we passed a pleasant hour here out of the rain before striding on to Looe

Good beer selection. Friendly staff BUT DOESN'T DO FOOD EVEN THOUGH ADVERTISED EVERYWHERE IT DOES it's a shame as could be really good

What can I say... lovely friendly pub, lots of locals who always make you feel extremely welcome. Landlord very friendly. Really worth a visit.

A couple of visits in one week. Pretty busy so had trouble finding a table, but the pizza was reasonable and one was enough for two people. One barman kept things moving but not a long wait for drinks. Dog friendly and board games available if you can find a spot to sit down.

Pub lacks atmosphere and landlord was a happy sole (not) , young barman when on his own kept the place moving and had a smile on his face , drinks ok but they charge more for the same drinks than the Lugger inn? .

A limited menu but still very good. Good sized meals at reasonable prices . It would have been nice to see more seafood especially as its a fishing town. Good service and a variety of ales and local cider

Food was terrible, how can you get ham egg and chips wrong. Burnt eggs and only provided us one as they were running low (advertised as 2) Gave us £1.50 back! Burger I ate was burnt and when I said food was terrible didn’t really get a response?

Terrible service ..poor food. Complained couldn't care less basically..not bothered ..place empty say no more.?!

We've never eaten here but have always found the landlord warm and welcoming and the locals charming and friendly. We always aim to come in to enjoy a drink and banter whenever we're in Polruan.

Sehr groß, aber entsprach nicht unbedingt unserer Vorstellung bzw unserem Geschmack

Didn't eat but went many times for a drink, always a warm welcome, ale really good and local beers a must...great place to meet friendly locals

Very friendly staff, great food and plenty of it and also dog friendly really enjoyed our meal and drink here

We ordered 3 takeaway pizzas which took an astonishing 50 mins to arrive after ordering. The pizzas were reasonable, althought the meat feast was not at all spicy despite claims it was. If we had known they would take so long we would have cancelled the order or come back 50 mins later but the delay was never mentioned or apologised for.

Got the ferry across, Lovely pub, wood burner was nice and cosy. Pub was only serving food in the evenings. No mention of this on website or Facebook. The other pub was shut. Nice drinks though.

Although a little quiet in winter - always able to have a pint or even a coffee. Looking forward to trying the famous pizzas when next down.

We popped in a few times for drinks. Friendly local, decent beer and cider, including the formidable Cornish Rattler cider (6%). We didn't eat, but I'm sure that the pub grub will be worth a pop.

We caught the ferry across form Fowey to have an early evening snifter on New Years Eve. Very nice pub - cosy atmosphere

Open fire , friendly staff. Didn't eat here but food looked good. Liked that there was take away available. Loved the Cornish ales.

Popped in for a beer 2 nights on the run whilst on holiday in Polruan, 3rd night we asked to reserve a table but told that they don't reserve tables so went early to ensure we could get one for our meal (pizza) and found that 2 of the tables were reserved! Reserved by family's who just happened to be from Cornwall! Didn't bother going back!

This was one of our favourite pubs and then...... (as many pubs do these days) lost great staff and had issues replacing the management team. All that has changed. The current team do a brilliant job and the pub is back to being as good as it ever was. The fish and chips are beautiful and the Pizzas lovely, tasty and extremely filling. Rob is a very good welcoming landlord and his team are young, friendly and smart. Would highly recommend the Russell and Polruan is lucky to have two such great pubs so close to one another. Will be back.

Having visited here before in 2016 and had a less than great experience, we returned for a second chance. This time the pub was busier and much more welcoming. We had beers which were excellent and ordered food which was both reasonably priced and in my case the cod which was the size of a small whale was excellent and clearly cooked to order so fresh and hot. Will definitely visit again.

Lovely, authentic back street pub serving food. We had the best fish and chips there! Very reasonably priced, good beers and welcoming atmosphere! Definitely would recommend! Best pub in Polruan!!

We were so pleased to find this friendly welcoming pub/restaurant in Polruan during our visit.

Lovely warm friendly atmosphere. Good food, excellent service. Always made to feel welcome...Highly recommended if you visit Polruan

We found the Russell very welcoming - friendly helpful staff. It's always popular, even with locals, and more so when the Lugger Inn nearby is fully booked. The staff coped very well with the extra customers.

We arrived in Polruan and wandered down to the quay looking for the recommended pub, the Lugger Inn, but all tables were booked. Called at the Russell and ordered three small portions of fish and chips, which we ate outside with a glass of excellent local cider. The fish and chips were delicious and fantastic value, and the landlord was very friendly, as noted by my West Indian companions. We'll be back for more.

Great chips and the best fish I've ever had! As a black woman from Manchester, I am always cautious about the welcome in such communities but the landlord was attentive and friendly. I will eat there again.

Great beer, great pizza, friendly atmosphere. Just what you want if you want a nibble and a pint. Recommend.

Remember this pub from holidays some 40 years ago. Alas, didn't live up to those memories; lacked atmosphere, not particularly comfortable or welcoming. Pool table out back commandeered by locals. Shame.

Great to revisit this lovely friendly pub again. After two years away, Rob and his staff remembered us and made us so welcome. Great bingo night on Tuesday and we enjoyed the food we had - good simple food with large portions and excellent value with a takeaway option. This is a real drinkers pub with friendly locals. Good luck Rob - hope this reopening of the Russell is successful as Polruan needs this lovely pub.

Tried this quaint village pub again after several months away. Thought I'd give it the one last go!!!! Another waste of time and money. What food we saw looked disgusting. A few locals in that were rude and obnoxious, using filthy language without any staff saying a word. I own a holiday cottage in the village but will make my way to Fowey from now on, I strongly suggest all who read this do the same until new management take over this establishment. AVOID IF YOU HAVE KIDS. AVOID IF YOU LIKE GOOD FOOD. AVOID AVOID AVOID. Poor Polruan. Once lovely village with great pubs. Hopefully one day it will be like that again.

We popped in here for a drink whilst we visited from Fowey. We came across on the ferry (4adults 4children and 2 dogs) we were made to feel very welcome and we thought it was a lovely place, the Christmas decorations were pretty and a lovely warm fire. Wouldn't hesitate to return. Lovely little pub

Lovely village pub with great atmosphere. Rob has only recently reopened the pub but it's well supported by locals (always a good sign in my opinion!) with a roaring fire and excellent beer. Tonight was their first night serving takeaway food and we weren't disappointed! Can recommend the Brie wedges, very tasty!!

Recently moved to Fowey and wanted to find a local away from the high street so we jumped onto the ferry and tried Polruan. Tried the Lugger first, strange menu compared to when we came a year ago house hunting, little atmosphere, but still quaint. Wandered up the steps to the Russel. Had a decent pint and a glass of average wine. We wanted to eat until food arrived for a table near us. Not impressed. I understand the previous contributor about locals. There were a few (3) regulars and they seemed to rule the roost rude, loud, coarse and half cut. Went to local shop for a snack. They said the russel had just reopened, I asked if it was the "local". Both said they wished it was but were made to feel unwelcome. Shame, we'll have to keep looking. Sigh.

Decent food but lacking atmosphere. It didn't seem to be supported by the locals which is often not a good sign.

We went for dinner on Friday and the food was standard English pub fare and good. But it seems this pub is closing down, leaving only one pub in Polruan, which is a shame as we could not get a booking in the Lugger for Friday or Saturday evening. So there must be demand. There are no notices saying it is closing permanently, but they were running down the stock and it was shut yesterday (saturday) which would be odd for a pub in a holiday town in midseason.

An excellent friendly pub. Food was excellent but overpriced but in line with local prices. Beer was fantastic. Staff were friendly and the hygiene excellen. I was very surprised to hear this place was losing as of the two pubs in the village this one was far superior.

The pub is great, the service was good but the food let the pub down. It wasn't bad though. The other pub in Polruan had amazing food and was always booked up, you had to book at least two days in advance to get a table.

Enjoyed some lovely local ales with my father on our holiday here , ales were spot on and were recommend by the nice young man behind the bar

Had amazing food there nice pub grub and nice cold pint, staff where really great and helpful and the service was really quick there , lovely hot food and tasted amazing excellent portion, defo recommend>!!!! A+=

Stayed for a week in Polruan. Good pub food friendly staff and reasonably priced. Service with a smile (more than we got at the Lugger) Thumbs up from us.x

6 family members over 3 generations visited for a good value for money meal. Better atmosphere food and service than the Lugger which was very disappointing. Try the Russell it is the better place to eat.

No surprises as per with majority of pubs in these parts. Close your eyes, think of ten things you'd expect to find on a pub menu and you'd score 9/10.

Good place to chill out. Worth a visit. In the main part of Polruan at the bottom of the steep road . Above the harbour.

Well worth a visit on the edge of the harbour. Good good, great beer. Friendly staff. Lovely Cornish pub.

We used the pub numerous times whilst staying in Polruan. They have a quite extensive menu, and also do take ways which is very handy. A+++

Did the coastal walk from par beach to here for lunch . The staff were welcoming and friendly , let me try the beer before I bought .nice selection of beers with my favourite skin dog the food was good .the pub has a nice view of the sea and there is seating out side

First day in Cornwall and visit to Polruan. Wanted an evening pub meal and we were not disappointed. Great fish and chips and pint of Tribute. Friendly atmosphere in lovely Cornish pub near the harbour. Staff very good.

In the area for an hour so popped in and had a pasty & pint Cider. Well kept pub, friendly staff. Cider really nice. Food was ok, nothing to exciting and a little expensive for what we got.

After walking in from Lantic Bay, I was pleased to get a lovely warm welcome in this pub. I had a lovely pint of proper job which went down all too soon, and my wife had her fave, ginger beer and lime. As we needed cash I must say the young lady behind the bar was very good to point out that I could pay for our drinks by card and get cash back, £30 is their limit. As there were no free cash machines in Polruan this is very helpful as we visited Crumpets afterwards. I would come back to this St Austell brewery owned pub anytime I'm nearby in future, possibly to try the food as the baguettes another table were served looked good.

The food and the service exceeded our expectations. The staff were really friendly and polite, nothing was too much trouble. The food was well prepared and the service was fast and efficient.This is a down to earth place with a great atmosphere and not trying to be something it's not.If you're in Polruan this is the best place to eat.

We spent a very enjoyable week in Polruan, staying just up the lane from the Russell Inn. Lovely local pub, landlord, landlady and bar staff all very friendly. We popped by for a pint most lunchtimes to refresh ourselves after walking coastal paths. Weather was good so mostly sat outside on the tables under the canopy in the lane but inside is equally cosy and comfortable. Ate there twice, pasta was particularly good. Will definitely return again!

Staying in Polruan for a few days we first stumbled upon the Russell on our way back from the St Saviours car park and needed a reward following the hike so sat in the sun with beer and booked a table for the following night... Following night came and the sun abandoned us so sitting inside this cosy olde English (Cornish?) Inn we selected a range of starters and Mains (including a couple of ploughman's which are all but impossible to get these days - take note landlords across the country!!) and beers, wines and spirits from a fabulous front of house team who were really welcoming and friendly - Sonia's a star and the landladys made for the role!! The food was superb fish as it should be, the prawns better than those in Fowey (so said mother!) and the ploughman's as they should be! The candy store and especially the pink stripy bags were a fabby dessert and the sticky toffee unctuous! So pop in rain or shine and say hello to Sonia from the Graham/Upton/Kellys!x

Super friendly service and typical English atmosphere. Beer and cider selection great. Pasty was really good too. Reasonably priced.

Proper pub that hasn't been messed about with! Friendly barman, good beer & a nice atmosphere, although we didn't eat there the food looked good.

Having been here a couple of times now to visit family, I have to say I have had a pleasant experience every time! The food is fresh and tasty with a wide variety of menu choices along with a large selection of drinks to from!The staff and owners are always happy to assist and are very friendly, which helps make the pub a warm, friendly environment to which you can also bring your dog along and connect to their wifi (as signal is poor in Polruan this is needed!) Thanks again Karen and Steve, we will be coming back to go through your menu once more!Ant & Em