The Bar, Instow

Good family pub, with great upstairs restaurant overlooking the harbour.If you like real ales..and proper local beers correctly kept,then this is the place!

Lovely atmosphere in downstairs bar : everyone made very welcome...even our 4 legged friends...free biscuits located above fireplace. Nice cosy woodburner with sittee/lounging chairs. In winter just the place to sip mulled wine...

Complimentary daily newspapers / free Wifi and good drink make this the best venue to go out to in Instow. Judging by the number of friendly locals who are evident on a daily basis, no doubt assisted by the generous happy hours in the afternoon(!), this is proper Devon hospitality!

The food is the icing on the cake! Simply the best quality and at prices that put others to shame.

You will not encounter mass-produced microwaved/frozen food at The Bar ...
I dismay at the many other food establishments in the area who misrepresent customers by saying things are local/homedade/fresh, when in reality they are cheap - often imported pre-produced/frozen meals being sold on at premium prices under false pretences.

At The Bar ..when it says local or homemade..they really mean it! They specialise in sourcing West Country produce, and you will frequently see the farmers passing through the bar area with the produce..be it free range eggs, potatoes, meat....oh and of course we mustn't forget the fisherman with the fresh fish either!

Overall this is a real find....the best value and quality by far in this part of Devon. The Chefs clearly have a real passion for what they create..the presentation is spot on...and the taste is just divine. I have eaten at Marco Pierre White's restaurants, Gordon Ramsays etc....and The Bar in my opinion beats them on so many counts...be it in terms of quality, generous portions and terrific pricing . Lets hope it stays this way for ever! It's no wonder that celebs have frequented in recent times...Freddie Flintoff, Sienna Miller, Jude Law, James May to name but a few!

The new team at The Bar since September 09 put all before them in the shadow..they make everyone so welcome..the perfect place by the water whether you just want to sit outside and drink their famous scrumpy watching the world go by; if you wish to dine either in the atmospheric bar area or in the upper restaurant.

A great place to stop and 're-fuel'(!) when on the Tarka Trail..being minutes from the old Instow Signal Box! Alternatively there's even free car parking at the Quayside Jetty just for patrons..I'm off there again now!!

29 Mar 2010 17:53