Pubs & Beer in Devon Guide

One of the best parts of visiting the beautiful countryside in Devon, is taking a well-earned break from all that relaxing and sampling some of the local ale! There are numerous cozy and unique pubs in the area, and we've listed a few along with some of the other ways you can sample the local wines and beers.

The Nobody Inn
An unusual name with an equally unusual story behind it, The Nobody Inn can be traced right back to 1591, and has retained all of its old-world charm. Blackened beams and a fireplace, restaurant and fine selection of whiskys and cheese, this non-smoking pub uses local produce for all its meals.
Thier website has details of drinks, menus and the history of the Inn: http://www.nobodyinn.co.uk.

The Devon Arms
Based on Park Lane, Torquay, this friendly bar runs jazz and live music nights weekly, along with regularly rotated real ales available, including Doom Bar and Otter Ale. Traditional values but with a modern sense of fun, coincide your trip with a 70's music night or quiz.

The Globe Inn
With frequent live music and theme nights, this pub favours jazz and provides filling meals to go with the entertainment. Beers rotate with a guest ale every other month, including beers such as O'Hanlons Firefly, Topsham Ferryman and Abbot Ale. They quite often list current menus and beers on their website, along with a map and a gallery: http://www.globeexeter.co.uk.

The Redwing
The only Free House in Lympstone, this pub is famous for its music, and Friday's band night tends to be crowded. The first Saturday in August sees the celebratory Lympstone Furry Dance at the pub, and this pub has a continuing rotation of guest ales with a choice of over 50, including Dartmoor IPA and Doom Bar.

The Atmospheric Railway Pub
Based on the 1848 atmospheric railway that ran from Exmouth to Exeter for a short time, this pub is filled with old railway memorabilia, and has a safe outside garden for kids and mild evenings, and serves an excellent Sunday lunch. Real ales served include Otter and Bass, and speciality drinks include Draught Guinness among others. Based in Starcross, the ferry is an ideal way to visit this pub, and enjoy the view of the estuary on your way.

The Otter Inn
A more modern pub, but with a homely fire, comfy sofas and an attractive dining area. A varied menu offers everything from a carvery to Pan Fried King Prawns & Mussells With White Wine, and the chalkboard holds details of the days specials, which includes a catch of the day fish dish, and homemade puddings. Every year this pub also holds a Beer Festival, around May time, which is certainly not something to be missed! More details, and photos, at their website here: http://www.otterinn.co.uk.

The Ship Inn
Based in Kingswear, this is one to take a trip to visit, as a winner of the 2006 CAMRA branch pub of the year award. With excellent views of the River Dart, this pub provides a fairly traditional pub menu with fresh local produce (organic when they can) and fish from a local fishing boat not 200 yards away. Otter Ale is their most popular beer, and they also provide Adnams Bitter amongst others. Find more details here: http://www.theshipinnkingswear.co.uk.

Lyme Bay Winery
If you're in the area and have a taste for the local wines and ciders too, you may wish to check out Lyme Bay Winery, which has a selection of cider brandy, cream liqueurs, wines and cordials to choose from. Their website has directions of how to find them: http://www.lymebaywinery.co.uk/pages/about_us.htm.

Devon Wine School
If you really feel like exploring the best of what Devon has to offer, and increasing your understanding of the local wines, you could visit the Devon Wine School for a luncheon, tasting or short course on wines. With locally sources food (right down to eggs laid on site!), the School provides an arena for enjoying really good food and drink, and you can find details of courses and wines available here: http://www.devonwineschool.co.uk.