Royal Castle Hotel, Dartmouth

Very good, in my opinion a second best to the Cherub.

For a hungry Yachtie this is a real haven. Food in the bar is good value, and good nosh. I've jumpe ashore more than once for celebratory beers and some fodder.

Host, Nigel Way, leads from the front and is not shy of any task (apart from running the new computerised till).

As mentioned in other reviews there are two Bars. The Harbour bar which is a sort of yuppie kiddie bar. Nice modern look and feel (and accommodates smokers). The Galleon Bar, well, the name tells it all.

Only one beer on tap that I would choose to drink Courage's Directors. OK, not to some a "real Ale" but still a damn good pint and the beer is well kept.

If you're not into Real Ale you'll find a very good selection of all of the other "beers". Not a purist Cider pub - be warned. Excellent selection of Single Malt and colonial whiskies.

Warning, can get very busy, can get very noisey

If you want to stay at this Inn it's best to plan and book in advance.

Restaurant food is good, breakfast room offers a fantastic view over the small boat camber (known as the boat float) and the harbour beyond.

26 Jun 2006 09:12

The Cherub Inn, Dartmouth

A true gem, but a very small bar. Food available on three floors and is generally both good quality and good value for money.

A CAMRA pub and in the best tradition of CAMRA pubs; in fact this pub is the reason why I finally decided to join CAMRA.

You'll find a selection of St. Austell Ales. Doombar is always on, also their Special. The pub has it's own Ale (Cherub) a favourite with many of the regulars (not to my taste). Sadly not made in Dartmouth.

If you're a Cider drinker there's good news for you also. The Cherub features Addlestones (known as addlepate in the pub) cloudy. At least one clear Cider, and ofter another choice.

Like your beer from a Tap? Or (to quote the Wychwood Hob Goblin) 'fraid of tasting something? There's a popular selection of "manufactured" beer for you.

Also - check out the fair selection of Single Malt Whiskies.

Atmosphere is friendly, during weekends there are generally more visitors than locals.

BTW, not sure that this is the oldest building in Dartmouth. It is the oldest building serving as a Pub. The oldest Pub in Dartmouth is the Seven Stars; but that's another tale.

26 Jun 2006 09:04

The Wykeham Arms, Winchester

I love the Wykeham. I first discovered it by accident whilst walking in Winchester with my Dad. We both love a good pub and this is a great pub. True you'll find the clientele might be a cut above your average boozer but they're mostly friendly. As mentioned in other reviews a mixture of locals and visitors. The pub is part of the Casque Mark scheme and deserves this. The beer is excellently kept if you are a Real Ale man. Food is really very good and not too pricey.

I have stayed at this pub (with my wife). The Breakfast room is genteel, service is fine.

One hidden treasure is the collection of Ronald Searle original cartoons (he who illustrated St. Trinian's). It's in one of the many dining rooms, suspect you need to book.

If you want to eat or stay book in advance.

Menu was not (and probably will still not be to my wife's liking). However this was not a problem since the Chef was very accommodating. When we tried to order a plain green salad our waiter returned saying the Chef would be mortified if that's all he could provide. We both ate well. Now, how often do you get attention to service like that?

Last visit - earlier this month (June 2006)

26 Jun 2006 08:47