West Country

Globe Inn

Lostwithiel, Cornwall

Will Erwin says that from the age of five, he always wanted to be a chef. He eventually achieved that ambition just over three years ago when he and wife Jo bought the Globe Inn. Prior to that, US-born Will had served in the Peace Corps in Africa, where he meet English-born Jo, before moving to London to work in healthcare.

Promotion to a job as director of corporate affairs took him to Lostwithiel, where he bought a house to stay in during the week. At weekends, Will travelled back to London.

Realising the dream

Will says: "The house was next door to the Globe and I used to eat there every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night." When the owners decided to move on, Will jumped at the chance of realising his dream.

He recalls: "I was on a very steep learning curve, but the previous owners were fantastic and worked for me for the first 15 days."

Although food accounts for about 55% of the Globe's takings, Will says: "We want to be seen as a really good pub - not a very fancy expensive restaurant with a bar attached to the side."

Pies are a speciality

Under Will and Jo's ownership, the pub has become renowned for its home-made pies (such as the mixed game or steak and Stilton in short crust pastry, both £10.95), game, lamb, beef, fish and shellfish dishes.

Whenever possible, all produce going into the kitchen is sourced locally. Word-of -mouth recommendations have escalated and the 55-cover dining area has been fully-booked almost every day for the past year. Those who can't get into the dining area can eat in the cosy bar, which can take an extra 20 covers. In summer, Will reckons to serve about 45 lunches and 85 dinners during an average day.

Will describes the Globe's cuisine as good, old-fashioned British fare with some contemporary dishes thrown in for the more adventurous. He says: "My customers like a proper plateful of home-cooked food - nothing too fancy."