An amazing historic thatched Inn
Restronguet Hill, Mylor Bridge, Near Falmouth
TR11 5ST
Tel: (01326) 372678
Email: info@pandorainn.com
Web: www.pandorainn.co.uk
Set on the edge of Restronguet Creek at Mylor, The Pandora is a historic Cornish inn with centuries of stories, a remarkable waterside setting and a warm welcome that continues today.
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.
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 re-opened 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.
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 road opened in 1828. Over time, the building became an inn known as The Ship, serving travellers, locals and those moving along the creek.
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.
On 24th 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.
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.
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