Cornish spirits producer and hospitality operator Pocketful of Stones has overseen a £100,000 refurbishment of The Red Lion in Newlyn, following the historic harbour-side pub’s first summer under its management.
The pub has reopened after a two-week closure, with improvements designed to modernise its facilities while retaining the traditional character of the venue.
The investment includes a refurbished bar area, upgraded toilets and improvements to the pub’s floors and ceilings.
A new courtyard provides additional outdoor seating, while the installation of log burners is intended to support trade during the colder months.
Pocketful of Stones took over The Red Lion in partnership with Admiral Taverns after the pub closed at the end of 2025, prompting concerns locally about the future of the historic venue.
The company reopened the pub in February 2026 and has since developed a local management team led by General Manager Todd Kyle and Assistant Manager Lydia Chappell, with chef George Mitchell overseeing the kitchen.
Since reopening, The Red Lion has expanded its selection of Cornish beers, wines and spirits, alongside a food offering based on traditional pub dishes and seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
The venue has also introduced a programme of outdoor barbecues, live music and themed events, supporting its return as a meeting place for residents and visitors.
Mike Cunliffe, Co-owner of Pocketful of Stones, said: “We are delighted to have completed this latest phase of investment at the Red Lion. The refurbishment has given us the opportunity to refresh the pub’s spaces and create an even more comfortable, enjoyable setting for everyone who visits.
“It has been brilliant to see the pub busy again, with people coming together over a drink, a meal or a relaxed evening with friends and family. We are grateful for the support Newlyn has shown since we took on the Red Lion, and we are looking forward to building on that momentum in the months ahead.”
The Red Lion has also received a Silver Plastic Free Champion Award from Plastic Free Penzance, recognising measures introduced to reduce single-use plastics across its operations.
The pub is Pocketful of Stones’ third hospitality venue, joining its Penzance bar and tasting room and Falmouth shop.
Founded in 2016 as a small-batch Cornish spirits producer, Pocketful of Stones marked its tenth anniversary in September 2026 and has grown into a business employing approximately 30 people across production, retail and hospitality.
Over the past decade, the company has sold more than 500,000 bottles and welcomed over 20,000 visitors to tasting experiences across its venues.
Its portfolio includes 23 products across eight spirits categories, with brands such as Caspyn Gin, Dr Squid Gin, Hell’s Stone Whisky, King of Prussia Spiced Rum and Morveren Absinthe.
The company also exports to several European markets, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria and the Netherlands.
During the past 18 months, Pocketful of Stones has invested more than £300,000 in new distilling equipment, increasing its production capacity by more than fourfold and creating additional local employment opportunities.
The refurbishment of The Red Lion forms part of the company’s continued development across Cornwall’s hospitality sector, combining its spirits production business with investment in traditional pubs and visitor experiences.