The Carriers Inn, Bude

Popped in for a pint on a drizzly November evening and ended up staying for the session. "Open Mike" night with a couple of good musicians and although the place wasn't busy, busy there was a good craic. Decent drop of GK Abbot, friendly service and not over-priced,

30 Nov 2015 12:00

The Walrus Bar and Hostel, Waterloo

Although the Walrus Bar is part of the hostel it is in fact open to all and well worth searching out. There's usually a couple of real ales on offer - London Pride and Hogsback TEA last time I visited - at very reasonable prices (£3.50 a pint October 2015).

During the day it can be fairly quiet but nonetheless still worth a visit and in the evenings becomes lively with a mix of hostel stayers and locals. Couple of benches outside for us smokers with a retractable awning for when the weather requires it.

Youthful friendly staff and daily happy hour deals.

No food on offer but you are welcome to bring your own and there are plenty of cheap takeaways on Lower Marsh.

11 Oct 2015 09:53

The Ship and Pilot, Ilfracombe

This a proper locals pub and not pretending to be anything else. There's always a good selection of local-ish beers and ciders plus all the other stuff. They have Sky Sports for all the big games and generally-speaking staff and customers are a friendly, if slightly off-beat, bunch. It's my pub of choice in town.

28 Sep 2014 23:05