Our reviewer for the West Country, Ellen Manning, finds a bar under promising new management.
Kona isn’t exactly a new kid on the block. The Hawaiian-themed bar has served up cocktails, food and so-called ‘après sea’ vibes since 2021. Except since October it’s got new owners at the helm.
Chris Jarrett, widely known as The Bearded Barman, brings a reputation as a great mixologist to the table and, as a result, Kona’s cocktails have stepped up.
There are tiki classics you’d expect in a place that has rattan furniture and surfboards hanging on the wall. But they’re well executed. A balanced Mai Tai pops sweet and tart in harmony, while a Zombie’s complexity hides its potency.
A Brown Butter Old Fashioned seesaws savoury with sweet and, as predictable as ordering a Spicy Marg is, it’s a good call when they’re this good. There’s food too, including small plates and brunches, and coffee, plus music and events.
It’s still Kona, just better.
SCORE 7/10
Discovery Quay, Maritime House, Falmouth TR11 3XA