Tricky's
Tolgus Mount, Redruth, Cornwall.
Tel:01209 219292
Link

Tricky's was originally the 19th century Mine Captain's house for the Tolgus works. In the 1980s it was just a pub, run by a notorious local entrepreneur, and irrespective of its actual name became known as "Tricky Dickie's". When it was refurbished and the hotel part added, the owner threw in the towel and actually renamed it Tricky Dickie's which it remained until he retired, and the current owners took over in 2004, dropping the no longer appropriate " Dickie's".
The pub restaurant is large but welcoming with warm pine furniture and a separate bar and food counter. Food is what you would expect - pub grub with the emphasis on burgers, steaks, pizzas and pies, but perfectly acceptable. It's the sort of place you go for the atmosphere - there is often live music, it's good for eating with friends or family, or if you're in the area on business having a straightforward meal before collapsing. (You've guessed, I'm speaking from experience here!). There are usually daily specials, sometimes an extra dish or a special offer on part of the regular menu. On my last visit the offer was 2 steaks for £20. This time only I had a tasty but not very accurately cooked steak & salad while Nick had gammon and egg. The food bill was just under £25.
The separate accommodation block (the "hotel", although it's more motel style) is away from pub and another building midway between them houses the gym and beauty salon. The hotel rooms are all ground floor and for a change the room layout had the bed and desk facing the window, pleasantly, for at least on our side of the building, we were not overlooked and had a rural view. The en-suites are fully tiled wet rooms with only a small divider between the loo and shower so make sure your clothes and towels are well out of the way. That said, the showers are very good with plenty of hot water and good pressure.
A self service continental breakfast is served in the breakfast room ( which also doubles up as a daytime/evening conference/meeting room) in the accommodation block. This is more of a German breakfast with very good ham and a selection of cheese as well as cereal, toast, fruit and yoghurt.
A good standby for Redruth when the Penventon Park hasn't got any discounted rooms, but with Tricky's being so far out of town, I wouldn't stay for more than a couple of nights since you really need to eat there too. In the summer they do barbecues on their optionally covered deck, but I've never seen this in action. My only grumble is the poor state of the car park, I hope the potholes are fixed soon.
April 2009