One of Cornwall’s oldest pubs has announced it is closing two years after being taken over by the current landlord. The Wheel Inn in Tresillian outside Truro, remained empty for nearly two years after its former tenants Simon and Alison Bellamy announced they would not reopen when the Covid lockdown was lifted on July 4, 2020.
However, in September 2021, to the delight of local residents, it was revealed that the 600-year-old pub which is owned by Lord Falmouth ’s Tregothnan Estate, would reopen before Christmas that year after London restaurateur Neil Wager, announced he had taken over the leasehold.
At the time Neil, who used to work at the Alverton in Truro and hotels in Falmouth and Portscatho, said his aims was to reopen with a 30-mile menu, sourcing quality meat, fish and produce from the Roseland Peninsula and local farmers in a 30-mile radius of Tresillian.
He said then that his longer term plans included a barbecue and bar area in the riverside garden to the rear and B&B rooms upstairs depending on permissions.
Now, after only two years, the restaurateur has decided to call it a day. On the pub’s social media pages, Neil who has previously run the popular Dokke restaurant at St Katherine’s Dock in London and has been a chef all over the world, working in resorts in Asia and Africa, did not give an specific reason for the closure but thanked supporters and customers.
In a message on Facebook and Instragam he said: “Sad news is the Wheel Inn is closing. I have to say a thank you to our customers and supporters and hope the beautiful pub that captured my heart will continue, goodbye and much love to the important people, you know who you are x will love and miss you.
“This is farewell. To our many supporters, I’d like to say thank you. Tregothnan thank you for the support and the opportunity, Sharps brewery you are an amazing unappreciated rock of Cornwall and such a prolific progressive brewery. Primrose Herd, Tresemple farm, Westcountry and many others, we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Tresillian residents said the closure would be yet another loss for the riverside village. Samantha Syed said the news was gutting, adding: “We were beyond gutted this evening. It’s a huge loss to the village. I still can’t quite believe it after all the much needed effort and transformation you’ve put into The Wheel.”
Janette Doyle agreed adding: “It is such a huge sad loss. Yu have worked so hard to create an amazing and welcoming dining experience, fab food, excellent atmosphere and super staff – good luck with whatever the future holds – you truly deserve it.”
Another diner said: “So so gutted to hear this! Being local and having lived in Tresillian previously for years, you guys have honestly done phenomenally with upscaling the pub and really provided an incredible offering.”