Long-serving publicans retire after 35 years of service
- Guild Secretary
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Two much-loved publicans are retiring from The Safe Harbour in Fowey after decades of service running pubs with St Austell Brewery.
Graham Allen is calling time on an impressive 35-year career with the independent Cornish family-run business, where his journey began at the Britannia Inn in Chacewater before he spent a decade working as a chef at The Customs House in Padstow. For the past 16 years, he has run The Safe Harbour, helping make it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Joining him in retirement is his partner Gill Pascoe, who became part of The Safe Harbour team seven years ago after a 35-year career in education. Having retired from schools, she swapped the classroom for pub life and quickly became an integral part of The Safe Harbour team.
Together, Graham and Gill have been praised for their commitment to the business and the local community, becoming well-known ambassadors for both The Safe Harbour and St Austell Brewery.
Clive Greene, Head of Tenanted Estate at St Austell Brewery said: “Graham and Gill have made an enormous contribution to The Safe Harbour and the wider community. Their warmth, dedication and hard work have helped make the pub what it is today, and they will be greatly missed by guests, colleagues and local residents. We wish them both a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.”
As Graham and Gill step down, a new chapter begins for the pub, with local chef Luke ‘Boris’ Watts taking over as the new publican.
Beyond its 45 managed pubs, St Austell Brewery's South West pub estate includes 120 leased and tenanted pubs operated by trusted independent business partners. Those interested in running their own pub, with the backing of one of the region's most established hospitality companies - celebrating its 175th anniversary this year - can find current vacancies here.
About St Austell Brewery
St Austell Brewery was founded as a family-owned company in 1851 and has been fuelled by Cornish spirit and independent thinking ever since. Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, it is the South West’s leading brewing, hospitality and drinks wholesale business.
The company operates two breweries, in St Austell and Warmley (near Bath), following the acquisition of Bath Ales in 2016. Its award-winning beers - including Tribute pale ale, Proper Job IPA and korev lager - are available in pubs and supermarkets nationwide.
St Austell Brewery owns over 160 pubs across the South West, comprising of 45 managed houses alongside managed operator and leased and tenanted sites that are independently run by business partners.
With a network of six distribution centres across the region, from St Columb to Wimborne, the company is the South West’s leading drinks wholesaler. In 2026, it became a majority shareholder in Harbour Brewing Company, expanding Harbour’s distribution footprint and making its high-quality craft beers available in St Austell Brewery pubs and for wholesale customers.
Proud of its heritage and inspired by the future, St Austell Brewery is brewing great experiences for generations to come.
For more information contact:
Charlotte Turner, Press Officer: charlotte.turner@staustellbrewery.co.uk / 07977 564 900
Megan Chuter, Head of Communications: megan.chuter@staustellbrewery.co.uk / 07970 379 690
Third-party news items are published as received for informational purposes. Publication does not imply endorsement by the Guild. Please use the contact details within the post for any enquiries.