The Farmers Arms pub in Newquay shines brighter than most after locals’ campaign for a harvest inspired wall mural.
The mural, painted by Czech artist Kaca Thomasini, is a reimagination of a previous incarnation that had been lost to the passing of time and Cornish weather. The Church Street pub now adorns a scene which depicts a farmer ploughing a coastal field as the sun sets on the horizon, surrounded by wildlife.
Publican Stephen, who runs the pub with his wife Karen and son Matthew, claims it was the will of the community which prompted them to commission the artwork: “Our regular guests and folk in the area regularly reminded me about the mural. Initially we were unsure how guests would react to the scene, but the response has been overwhelming and become a big talking point. It really brightens up the place and we couldn’t be happier.”
Stephen continued: “Kaca is so talented, she decorates our windows at Christmas, using chalk, so she was the right person for the job. I must hand it to her; at one point she had spent all day up there and came down very red!”
Stephen and his family have lived and breathed pubs for nearly 35 years. It was during a fallow period that Stephen took charge. He shared: “We took over the Farmers Arms 13 years ago when the pub had been closed for a time. We were looking for a quieter but close-knit community and that’s what we found, maybe not the quiet as we’re run off our feet, but the guests and locals have been brilliant.”
The inclusion of the butterfly on the mural is symbolic of leading pub company, Punch Pubs’ ‘Pollinator Pubs’ initiative with The Eden Project. The Project helps the business understand the role it can play in protecting nature and almost 100 Punch pubs have signed up.
Each pub receives seeds, tools, and guides from The Eden Project to create wildlife-friendly gardens. Stephen explained: “We wanted to include a butterfly which represents our status as a Punch Pollinator pub. It’s something that’s important to us and it looks fantastic on the gable end!”
Christopher Hunt, Operations Manager at Punch Pubs is equally impressed with the mural, adding: “We’re thrilled that the Farmers Arms has decided to stand out from the crowd and elevated the building, street and local area. Pollinator pubs play a vital role in protecting our environment and we’re keen for more Publicans to get involved if they can.”
More information about the pub can be found on the Farmers Arm’s website and social media pages.