After arriving back at the Redruth Airbnb, I just wanted to chill and watch some Euro 2020 knockout football. Wales were being mauled by Denmark and Italy were up next playing Austria. The forecasted drizzle had finally hit so for me, a beer was in order.
But this was not Brendan’s idea of fun. Standing on the hill above Redruth was the Basset Monument, and Brendan thought this was our only opportunity to go see it. As I’m a good friend, I decided to accompany him. The rest of the gang followed suit.
The road to the top of the hill is single-tracked and bumpy. Brendan’s suspension took a beating.
The hill is called Carn Brea and on it you will find Carn Brea Castle.
Built in the 14th Century and remodelled in the 18th Century as a hunting lodge, it is now privately owned and used as a Middle Eastern restaurant. I had a look at the prices. Even for Cornwall’s standards, they were hefty. Also, I’ve nothing against Middle Eastern food, but wouldn’t it be cool if this ancient castle on a Cornish hill did some really old fashioned British or Celtic cuisine. I would love that…
After looking at the castle, I headed over to look at the monument.
Taras and I had a very close look.
We then joined Joel and Andy on the rocks to look at Redruth.
Meanwhile, Brendan took his drone for a fly.
As the weather became more miserable, we went back to the Airbnb to watch a classic lad’s-night-in movie.
Who would you choose? Mark Darcy or Daniel Cleaver? Just wondering…
The next day, the weather was even more miserable.
Joel and I were excited however, as it was an F1 Sunday, and we geared up for the Styrian Grand Prix in Austria.
Taras, Brendan and Andy were not at all interested in watching the race, so they headed off to Bodmin Jail.
I asked Andy to write a review:
Bodmin Jail the Disneyland of Jails. The best rainy day adventure you could have. Honestly if you had the choice of sitting and watching the F1 or go to a historical land mark then you’d chose Bodmin Jail. You’re a silly beggar otherwise. I’m pretty sure it had free WiFi you could watch the F1 whilst walking around. But in all seriousness the Bodmin Jail attraction is somewhat of a spectacle. Intense visuals and fun commentary. They’ve modernised it so you walk through a story that explains the history and gore of the prison. From the pirates and ghouls to the infamous Beast of Bodmin Moor. Bit of game changer in terms of a historical experience. Only negative is that it short and sweet (well unless you read every bit which David would have done). A heavy 9/10. I’d love to go back and experience an evening ghost hunting. Our Joel was not best pleased when this was brought up as he’d rather surf on a wave-less beach for 12 hours than speak with the dead.
When they returned home, I was actually a little jealous cos it looked quite fun. I was also jealous because the Grand Prix had been absolutely awful. The dreariest one of the season by far. Joel and I had wasted two hours. The joys of being an F1 fan.
For Sunday tea we decided to book ourselves into the Redruth Meadery at 7:30pm. At 7:20pm, Brendan rang the taxi service we had ordered to ask where the hell they were. They told us a booking had not been made, when one definitely had. Thank you, Shah Cabs.
So we had to walk.
Our estimated journey time was 19 minutes. The Meadery would cancel our booking if we arrived 15 minutes late, and they were not answering my calls. So Joel and Brendan ran ahead.
And then Brendan gave up.
15 minutes later, we joined Joel at the Meadery and our table was secured. We had dressed up nicely for our meal out and now our clothes were sweaty. Again, thank you, Shah Cabs.
The Redruth Meadery is medieval eating hall, with very medieval vibes, from the shields on the wall to the serving girls period costumes who call you “darling”. I kinda expected some medieval music on a lyre to reeeally set the tone, but there wasn’t any before I opened it up on my Spotify.
Of course, you can’t go to a Meadery without trying…
Mead. Created by fermenting honey, it is the oldest alcoholic beverage to be brewed by humans. Our waitress offered us the chance to sample all the flavours they had to offer: strawberry, cherry, elderflower, blackberry, peach and regular mead. Obviously, we took that offer.
They were all nice tbf, especially the cherry flavour, but you can’t beat good old fashioned standard mead. Six shots later, we were all just a tad merrier.
The food menu features some very hearty meals. Again though, like the Carn Brea Castle Restaurant, the menu wasn’t particularly Cornish. What’s Cornish about a beef lasagne? Where’s the four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie?
Anyway, I ordered the heartiest meal on the menu: the chicken and rib combo – half a rack of ribs, a quarter chicken and onion rings.
It was DELIGHTFUL. Finger licking good. That’s not a trademark, right? And not a bad price at £14.50.
Would bang again.
Not wishing to be let down by a taxi again, we walked back to the Airbnb through Redruth town centre.
It was eerie.
Yes it was Sunday night, yes we’re in a pandemic, but still. You can tell Redruth is an old mining town, whose locals probably still miss descending into the earth…
Speaking of which… the next day we would be heading to Carnglaze Caverns about 40 miles away, so we did the sensible thing and had an early night. Probably. Or probably not.
#VidOnTour 