The Mason’s Arms in Falmouth has opened its three tiered beer garden after almost a year of painstaking building work, making it the highest beer garden in the town.

The new beer garden at the freehouse in Killigrew Street which overlooks The Moor, has been likened by landlord Simon Fudge to “Falmouth’s own Lost Gardens” after the overgrown state he found it in when he took over the premises seven years ago.

“It was a mass of brambles and weeds almost 10ft high and it was near impossible to even get out the door," he said. "I’ve worked hard to clear the space over the years, and the last 12 months has been the crowning glory. It will enable customers to enjoy a drink, the view and – hopefully - the sunshine.”

The beer garden can seat 28 people and has its own bottle bar serving lager, cider, wine and Prosecco. It marks the latest in a long line of improvements that have transformed the pub from one which was battling to survive when Simon first took the reins, to one that is now thriving.

“I’ve made the interior more spacious as well as updating the décor and reconfiguring the bar, and last year I opened a small seating area at the front so customers can enjoy a smoke and a drink in the fresh air,” said Simon, who bought the pub from the St Austell Brewery four years ago. “It’s proved really popular and I hope the opening of the beer garden will continue to attract a great mix of customers.”

The Mason’s Arms is the only pub in Falmouth able to screen two sports simultaneously in high definition and is often packed with football and rugby supporters on match days. Simon is not your usual pub landlord either - Mr Cornwall in 1993, he now fronts Cornish heavy metal band, Loco, while his quick wit and stage presence has seen him perform stand-up comedy gigs around the county.

“I really hope customers old and new will take the time to climb The Mason’s very own stairway to heaven and enjoy the fantastic new outdoor space during the summer months,” he quipped. “It’s a great opportunity to drink in the views of Falmouth while enjoying a tipple, and I look forward to welcoming everyone.”