Devon Pub Reviews
Introduction
Here are some reviews of the pubs that I've visited in Devon. I've included a short description of what I thought of each pub. Alongside each review I've made a note of when I last visited the pub so you know how up-to-date the descriptions are.
Some of the pubs below have links to pages with larger photos.
As with all the sections on my site, the views expressed here are totally my own.
Areas Covered By This Page
View a Google Map of my favourite pubs and restaurants in the Exeter, Topsham and Exminster areas.Exeter Pubs
Double Locks
Canal Banks, Exeter, Devon, EX2 6LT - 01392 256947
A unique canal-side pub about half an hour's walk south of Exeter.
I've been coming here regularly (albeit infrequently) for nearly 30 years and the pub hasn't substantially changed in that time. The Double Locks used to be a free house but was bought in the 90s by the Smiles Brewery of Bristol who subsequently got into financial difficulty and sold it to Young's. Despite its link with the Bedfordshire brewery they do still sell a selection of beers from other local breweries - typically O'Hanlons and Branscombe Vale. These beers are all usually kept well and the barrels are racked behind the bar - a rare sight these days.
The pub is open all day I believe and food is available most of the time. The menu is not as varied as it used to be but the quality is generally good and in fact was much better on my last visit. The pub's distinctive character and its waterside location mean that it can get very busy on summer afternoons, but there is a big garden so it doesn't feel too cramped. There's a children's play area too. The pub sometimes has live music, and you can camp there as well.
Last visited: August 2009
Prospect Inn
The Quay, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AN
Friendly pub on the quayside. Seating on many levels hides how big it is.
Food and good beers are available. Seating outside for the spring and summer.
Last visited: 2004
Great Western Hotel
St. Davids Station Approach, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NU - 01392 274039
This is not a picturesque pub, but it is included solely for the fine selection of real ales that they keep - it's like visiting a beer festival every time you go. The pub can get smokey and there is unfortunately no non-smoking area.
You can find this pub across the car park in front of St Davids station but make sure you don't miss your train though.
Last visited: October 2008
Well House
16-17 Cathedral Close, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1HB - 01392 223611
Busy pub opposite the cathedral. Known for good beer and good food. Apparently has been refurbished since my last visit.
Last visited: July 2004
And if you're hungry in Exeter...
Gino's
Old Malthouse, Bartholomew Street East, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3BG - 01392 493636
Excellent pizza restaurant by the iron bridge in the centre of town. It may be large but it is very good and can get very busy. At weekends you will need to book a table.
Last visited: 2004
Herbies Whole Food Restaurant
15 North St Exeter Devon EX4 3QS - 01392 258473
Excellent vegetarian restaurant close to the High Street. Good varied selection of snacks and larger meals at reasonable prices. The restaurant has a drinks licence and is open in the evenings too.
Last visited: March 2004
Topsham & Exminster Pubs
Bridge Inn
Bridge Hill, Topsham, Devon, EX3 0QQ - 01392 873862
Unique old pub by the River Clyst bridge east of Topsham, near the station. The exterior is a rather vivid pink but don't be put off as the pub is a real treat - assuming you like pubs with no music and good beer. Don't ask for a lager or they'll politely send you up the road to the next pub.
Apparently the inside hasn't changed for decades. There is no bar as such but just a serving hatch and two small snug rooms with tables. There is also a front room on the road side. There is also a large old malt house room at the back which is opened if there is enough business. The cellar is a room off the serving area and the varied list of beers are all served straight from the barrels.
The opening hours keep to the old tradition too so the pub may not be open when you'd like it to be - best to phone and check. Simple food is available during the week but more extensive meals are available at weekends and especially on a Sunday.
A new development on my last visit was the serving of beers in one third of a pint glasses. If you don't have lot of time and want to try many different beers this can be a way to increase your coverage. These servings are priced in proportion which is good.
This is one of my favourite pubs in the whole country and if I didn't live nearly 150 miles from this pub I think I'd be here most evenings. I think they have accomodation available at the cottage next door now.
Last visited: October 2008
Lighter Inn
Fore St, Topsham, Devon, EX3 0HZ - 01392 875439
Large riverside Hall & Woodhouse pub. Food is available most of the time - with many fish specialities. The monkfish I had was excellent. Real ale is available.
Last visited: March 2004
Exeter Inn
68 High Street, Topsham, Devon, EX3 0DY - 01392 873131
Situated on the north side of Topsham, the Exeter Inn is geared up more for locals than tourists. However, you should not be put off by this as it has a lively welcoming atmosphere. It was certainly noisy on my last visit as we arrived just in time to catch the final scores on a Saturday afternoon.
Real ale fans are well catered for here with a good selection of well-kept beers including some local ones. My only regret was that we had to leave sooner than I'd have wanted to go and catch a train.
Last visited: October 2008
Passage House
Ferry Road, Topsham, Devon, EX3 0JN - 01392 873653
Cosy pub hidden on the small streets down by the river. There is a large emphasis on food here with a wide menu, and including many fresh fish specials. I've had the skate wing which was gorgeous and the roasts are good too. Apparently the service can be a bit slow, but it was fine when I was last there. The beer seems to be well kept - Otter Best, London Pride are regulars apparently.
Last visited: October 2008
The Turf Hotel
Turf Lock, Exeter Canal, Exminster, Devon, EX6 8EE - 01392 833125
Historic pub/hotel at the mouth of the Exeter Ship Canal. Only open in the warmer months of the year (easter onwards I believe) and only accessible only on foot down the towpath or by ferry from Topsham. The nearest car park is several hundred yards away.
Still, if you've ascertained it's open then it's definitely worth a visit for good food and fine beers. There is a large garden between the rivar and the canal with fine views. There is a children's play area as well.
Inside the pub has a spacious feel even though it's not really that big. Large wooden tables and big windows make it very attractive.
Last visited: June 2007
Wembury Pubs
Odd Wheel
Knighton Road, Wembury, Devon, PL9 0JD - 01752 862287
A quirky pub in the coastal village of Wembury - although the pub is not near the sea being at the north end of the village. Don't be put off by the 70s feel to the decor as the pub is very welcoming and can get very busy - especially on the live music evenings. In the 'public' bar there is a large TV and a pool table.
We had lunch here one day and the food was freshly cooked for us and was very good. Four or five real ales are regularly available and they all tasted fine.
Children are welcome, but there is no real garden here.
Last visited: August 2009
East Devon Pubs
New Inn - Kilmington
Kilmington, Axminster, Devon, EX13 7SF - 01297 33376
A lovely pub in the tiny village of Kilmington - situated just off the A35 road between Axminster and Honiton.
The pub looks quite old with a thatched roof, but there is a newer bit too. The bar area itself is small but there is plenty of room down the steps. Outside there is a big garden with some tables and a large willow tree for shade. For the kids they have some aviaries with exotic birds. There are also baby changing facilities too - rare in a pub.
The menu is pretty good with the normal things you'd expect and the food tasted excellent - good portions too. There is a children's menu too although it was the usual beans, chips, nuggets selection - Jamie Oliver would be disappointed.
When I visited they had two real ales available from the Palmers brewery - the 'Dorset Gold' was very nice.
Last visited: June 2006