Matthew Morgan: Proper Pub

Change is a strange force — some welcome it, some don’t. Things change, but the memory of the past still fuels this proper Cornish pub.

From March 2023 to April 2024 I immersed myself in documenting the story of the Seaview Inn, its customers, and the transitions in its management. This project has connected me deeply with the community that frequents the Seaview Inn. My goal to paint a vivid picture of what a small Cornish pub nestled along the South coast embodies and represents. Capturing the true essence of sitting at the bar, drink in hand, and immersing oneself in the authentic atmosphere of a traditional pub. It has illuminated my perspective on the place I’ve called home for the past three years and the people with whom I share it. Despite the passing of time, the spirit of the local Cornish community endures, particularly in places like the Seaview Inn, overlooking Falmouth Bay. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to document this establishment and to feel a valued member of the Seaview Inn community.

From the moment I first walked through the door, I felt an instant sense of ease, as if I had been there before. An air of nostalgia permeated the interior, transporting me back to childhood holidays in Cornwall, walking into a pub with my parents. Memories of sipping a Coke, learning to play pool, and sneaking a taste of my dad’s beer flooded back. The Inn, formerly known as Zion Manor, dates back to the 1800s. It was once owned by a wealthy shipowner, and the front of the manor featured a sloping garden now known as The Lawn. A pathway once led directly down to a quay by what is now Bosuns Locker Chandlery, where the shipowner docked his vessels to load and unload cargo, which was then carried up to storage sheds behind the manor. Over time, the manor was divided into two dwellings: Dolphin House and the pub known as the Seaview Inn.

My initial visit to the pub was sparked by curiosity about the Seaview Old Boys cricket team, a pub team I had heard about while playing for Falmouth Cricket Club. Stories of the strong sense of community within the team intrigued me. In March 2023, I arranged to meet Da-mo, the captain of the Seaview Old Boys, to discuss documenting and following the team throughout the summer. With no expectations and an open mind, I discovered something special about the Seaview Inn. It is a hub, a community, a place where people gather to socialise, relax, and have fun.

Documenting the Seaview Inn has certainly raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity. Some people were puzzled by someone walking around with a camera, interacting with customers, and capturing moments. But with each visit, the community’s understanding and acceptance grow. Now, arriving without my camera feels wrong. People ask if I ever leave it behind, to which I respond: don’t be daft.