please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I was very impressed the bar had eleven handpumps.
Down to nine because two were not on.
And then only six different ales, some only in fair condition.
Otter Ale and Bitter, Butcombe Gold and Original, Jail Ale and sodding Doombar.
Standard choice food and price.
Fell slightly below my expectations based on previous reviews.
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The best pub I visited in Torquay. Had a pint of Tribute, well two, which came from a new barrel and in very good condition. Also had a pint of Butcombe Gold, which was OK and I think it was towards the end of the barrel. Very pleasant landlord and an all round nice pub!
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Tucked away so that most tourists won't find it. A great selection of ales when I went in there, and the staff were friendly and informative too. Probably the best ale pub nearest the Princess Theatre for a pre-show tipple.
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Popped in on Saturday evening while in Torquay for a meal. It was fairly empty at 7.15pm but there were a couple of groups eating and by 7.45pm when we left it was filling up nicely.
11 pumps on the bar that were serving 1 cider (on 2 pumps), Spitfire, Butcombe Bitter, Doom Bar, Otter Ale and Otter Bitter. 9 pumps on all together. The Jail Ale was off....which was a shame as that was the 1 beer on the pumps that I hadn't had before.
Usual fare of lagers, Strongbow and Guinness completed the tap range.
Lots of nautical items, including a large a Buccaneer figure standing by one of the doors.
Uneven floor, wooden booths and wooden beams, making the bar feel quite low.
Soft background music played while the 2 bar staff attended the bar area and the waitresses served the food.
Very decent pub with a great history, apparently it's head and shoulders above the Devon Arms opposite.
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A reasonable place kind of what you would expect of a Torquay pub (olde world, faux smugglers, narrow backstreet etc) had a decent pint of ale and added bonus of them not allowing people to bring the brats in. Quite right too - there are loads of former pubs that are now McDonalds or 'eateries' take your brats there and don't inflict them on the rest of us.
anonymous - 25 Feb 2014 21:30 |
Yes: cosy nooks and crannies, with wooden seats polished smooth by many a backside over the years were what we found.
I can't remember the ales that were on but they went down a treat.
We thought it was the best in the near locality.
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Very cosy olde worlde place with lots of nooks and crannies and alcoves to sit in with a nautical theme.
Bit on the expensive side though (£3.50 for a pint of Jail ale).
This is one of the only pubs of it's kind in Torquay and worth going in for away from the dreadful 'sports bars'.
9/10
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On the basis of admittedly limited experience, Torquay seems to be a bit short on decent pubs. This possibly one of the better ones; it claims to be the town's oldest, and it's certainly a place with some character, serving well-kept beer and quite reasonable food. But it's not a place I'd make a large detour to go back to without good reason. OK, but nothing special.
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Families beware - this may be the last pub in the UK NOT to permit children at any time of day. Arrived mid-afternoon on a wet and windy Thursday and was met at the door by a member of staff who had seen us coming up the path with child in buggy, and had dashed to the door to make sure we didn't even make it across the threshold. Very surprised considering that the pub was empty at the time - not the "welcoming atmosphere" quoted in the Good Beer Guide review that had made us walk a mile in the rain to check it out. We found a friendly welcome and nice choice of Bay's bitters at the Offshore across the harbour though - suggest anyone with children goes there instead!
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Spent New Year's Eve in here this/last year! Twenty quid to get in on a limited ticket basis, but well worth it. Live entertainment and a superb hot and cold buffet. Atmosphere splendid - haven't a clue what time we left. Always made to feel welcome, even though we are only occasional visitors to Torquay.
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Only tried one of the seven (I think) real ales, and that (Otter Bitter) was excellent. Can't agree the place is friendly, though, hardly got a glance yet alone a smile from behind the bar. Maybe it's just me ...
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Great pub. Only reason worth going out in Torquay for an evening. Many real ales and Weston's Scrumpy. Bar food good too. Bar staff very friendly.
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Friendly local tucked up a lane just off the harbour. Good selection of real ales in great quality. Well worth finding.
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Absolutely Fantastic!! Think they had 9 beers & a cider on last night. Some real hideaway snugs in the bar area. Had some food on the previous night too which was fine. Even the music being played through the system was good. Highly recommend
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Excellent little pub up a side street off the Strand area(opposite Debenhams/London Inn). Good range of beer(local brews feature) ; restaurant and pub grub. Outside smoking/drinking area; occasional live music (usually a duo); nice feel to the place and probably the best pub in this part of town. A must when you are next in Torquay.
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Visited pub whilst in Torquay this month and found it and the ale first class. Wish it was my local.
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visted the pub during a stay in torquay good pub behind the queens found it by chance
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This pub was recommended to me by the staff in The Cider Press. They had 6 ales on including Bays. Well worth a visit.
xh558 - 28 Apr 2009 21:46 |
I discovered The Hole In The Wall, Torquay, last summer ( 2008 ), whilst on holiday from Northern Ireland, with my wife and daughter.
What can I say, only that it was first class, from everything to choice of ales, food and staff. We discovered it by accident, it is located up a small side street, and dates circa 16th century. The prices are slightly higher than your average pub grub, but we were on holiday ( we actually spent four out of seven nights there ). A lovely French waitress named Nicole, took a shine to my young daughter, as they share the same name. It was very child - friendly.
Definately the Best Of British. 10 out of 10. Next time we are in Torquay. we will be back again. First class.
Albert, Anne and Nicole Thompson, Northern Ireland
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Enjoyed our Bays Best and Shepherd Neame Spitfire in this very quaint old pub tucked up a side street. The cleanest glasses I have had this weekend for my beer too. Had soup and bagette from the friendly hosts. Was crowded around 1pm with a lot of customers enjoying the food.
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The Hole In The Wall is one of the best pubs in Devon - indeed the South West! The restaurant within provides great food to accompany one or three cracking Real Ales. Mine Host, David Jones is a real gent and makes everyone feel welcome (even us Scots!). Live music on certain days makes for a very entertaining evening. (Top Tip, if you mention Liverpool, the team to support is Everton when you are in the Hole In The Wall!). Seriously, a great pub, great people and a great choice and quality of Real Ale. 11 out of 10.
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Pleasant 'olde worlde' pub with good range of beers and good (but expensive) food. Tucked out of the way means it is less crowded than the pubs in the main street.
BobOs - 12 Aug 2008 22:56 |
Watch your head! Low ceilinged and very "Olde". Very clean and civilized - slightly upmarket atmosphere. Nice selection of ales in close to perfect condition, and absolutely superb, although pricey, food.
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called here on a holiday, 2007.
sizeable pub with a timber-beamed, nautical flavour.
publicizes itself highly as the oldest pub torquay.
some parts are certainly old, but theres been quite a lot of re-furb done. probably to increase the size.
meals available, although didn't dine there.
6 well-kept cask ales on offer.
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