Pub & Local Ales Guide

Well known for its food and drink, Devon has numerous pubs and inns hidden away through the countryside with select and unique beers and ales available. We've listed some of the more curious ones, for you to visit - whether they're just round the corner for a pint before bed, or further afield to be included in a day trip away to the edges of the county.

The Boringdon Arms
The Boringdon Arms in Turnchapel, near Plymouth won the 2002 Regional Pub Award from CAMRA..  The Boringdon Arms has been a pub since 1771.  Nowadays, the pub specializes in local ales – they currently have nearly 15 available for you to try.  For more information, have a look at their website - http://www.bori.co.uk/

The Duke of York
The Duke of York in Iddesleigh is a village pub that is very popular with the locals.  They have several local beers on tap including Adnams Broadside, Cotleigh Tawny and Sharps Doom Bar.  The pub has a cosy and traditional feel with rocking chairs and a log fire in winter.

The Exeter Inn
If you are looking to visit an interesting pub, the Exeter Inn in Ivybridge is one that you should visit.  The pub was built in the 14th Century and even has a stream running underneath the building.  Their specialty drinks are the ciders Addestones, Old Rosie and Thatcher’s Gold.  For more details, see their website - http://www.exeterinnmodbury.co.uk/

The George Inn
The George Inn situated in Blackathorn is another traditional village pub with sea views and a lovely beer garden.  The George Inn specializes in a local cider called Dry Pig Squeal which is described as a ‘clean and light in flavour’ cider.

The Grove Inn
If you happen to take a trip out to North Devon, and you fancy stopping off at a nice pub, somewhere that you must try is The Grove Inn at Kings Nympton.  The pub is family owned and focuses on local produce for both food and beverages.  The real beers and real ales are popular with the village locals and the pub is reasonably busy all year round.   Have a look at their website for more information and for directions - http://www.thegroveinn.co.uk/

The Ship Inn
The Ship Inn at Kingsmear, near Dartmouth, won the 2006 Regional Pub Award from CAMRA.  The village pub is located next to the church and is popular with the locals.  The pub was built in the 15th Century and still retains some of the original features.  As well as the more popular beers and ales, the pub also sells a few of the local beers and ales including Otter Ales and Adnams Bitter.  For more information, check out their website - http://www.theshipinnkingswear.co.uk/

The Wild Goose
The Wild Goose in Torquay has been a pub since 1840 and was originally known as the Country House Inn.  The pub now specializes in local cider: Martin Jenny, Sweet Annie, Mill Top Gold and Dabinette which are great accompaniments to a meal.  Definitely a place to go if you are looking to sample some of the locally produced beverages.

The Railway Inn
The atmospheric Railway Inn is a family orientated pub where children are more than welcome.  The pub is situated  in Starcross near Exeter and the pub is very popular with the locals for its Otter Ales and Bass Ales.  The pub is also on the ferry route so would be a great place to stop for a bite to eat if you are waiting for the ferry to Exmouth.

The Redwing Inn
If you are spending the day in Exmouth, why not take a few hours to visit the small village of Lympstone just outside of Exmouth.  Here you will find a quaint little pub called the Redwing Inn.  The pub has just been refurbished and has a lovely beer garden that is always popular in summer.  Along with the beer garden is the ales: Dartmoor IPA, Hammond’s Royal Oak, Otter Bitter along with a continuing rotation of over 50 guest ales. You can find some details on this page: http://www.lemonrock.com/redwinginn