GEORGE BRENDON I (1832-1906) was a prosperous farmer and a Master of Fox Hounds who lived at Broomhill Manor, near Bude. He also owned hotels and a coaching business, and his pub catered for the needs of thirsty travellers. George I had a ruddy, gooseberry-eyed look – not unlike that of King Edward VII - probably induced, as it was in the monarch, by over-indulging in vintage port and ripe pheasant.

GEORGE BRENDON II (1858-1948) carried on his father’s business with his brother. They supported the RNLI and supplied the horses to pull the lifeboat. They also bred and sold race-horses all over the world, buying stables in Esher around 1900 – partly because the hunting was so good between Esher and Richmond. George II was an enthusiastic patron of his own pub and helped to turn Bude into a popular holiday resort.

Piers GEORGE BRENDON IV (1940- ) was born at Broomhill, spent the war years in Bude and started serving behind the bar at the age of 18. Despite a career in teaching and writing (among his books is a biography of the eccentric Cornish poet, Parson Hawker of Morwenstow) he, his brother Rupert and their cousins ensure that the Brendon Arms remains a true family pub, offering the warmest welcome in the West.

GEORGE BRENDON III (1918-1979) came late to the family business, after war service in Burma (he wrote a novel about it) and a career in advertising. But he did much to keep the pub successful. And he used his PR skills to promote Bude, once getting lots of publicity with a limerick competition on the town. He claimed that Bude, which rhymes with rude, crude, nude, lewd etc, is “the limerick capital of the world”.

GEORGE BRENDON V (1971- ) represents the rising generation. He too has served behind the bar, along with his cousin Sophia, the current licensee. And having many friends in the West Country, he wants to live here permanently. George V’s Cornish roots are strong and the family tradition ensures that the Brendon Arms is not just a place to enjoy a well-pulled pint or a good meal – it is a living part of a thriving community.