The Oldenburg, Paignton

This is a back street locals pub which is owned by Enterprise Inns, there is evidence of an inn on this spot since 1688 which isn't that surprising considering this is one of the oldest roads in Paignton. The pub has previously been named The Ship Inn, The Hero of the Nile (1798), then back to The Ship (1808) and the Globe Tavern (1833) before becoming the Oldenburg Hotel in 1855 named after Peter II Grand Duke of Oldenburg. The fairly unremarkable frontage conceals a more traditional interior that has just one medium sized L shaped room around the traditional wood bar counter which is along the back half of the left wall. Opposite the counter is a nice embossed cast iron fire place in the right wall with a pool table in the space in front of the fire, there is a second nice fire place in the left hand wall towards the front of the room, this has a tiled surround and a trophy cabinet above. The front half of the room has red fabric bench seating against the three walls which are half dark wood panel and there is a red and green patterned carpet. There are two dart boards, one in the middle of the right wall and the other on the back left wall which forms the end of the bar counter and creates the L shaped room. On the right wall as you enter through the main door are several mirrors and in the middle of the front wall between the two windows is a large flat screen TV which was off. Above the front left area was a high shelf displaying a collection of Toby jugs. In the back right corner is a door that leads to the toilets and a small enclosed patio area with a hand full of picnic tables. The single regular ale is currently Courage Directors with a couple of changing guest beers, but there was just one on this visit which was Cotleigh Barn Owl. I tried halves of both beers and found them to be ok but nothing special. To be honest I had been spoilt by the excellent quality of the beer in another pub just down the road. A good locals pub with traditional decor and character, my experience was much quieter than the previous reviewers so it was comfortable and I liked the feel of the place. I didn't notice any menus or food adverts, the beer selection is a little different to other pubs in the area, the quality could have been better but this opinion is only based on one visit which isn't really fair. I would give the pub another go if in the area.

I popped into the Oldenburg on a recent Saturday night during the karaoke which also takes place on Friday and Sunday nights. There were twenty or so plastered locals in attendance who were jumping around like demented monkeys to the warbling of their peers. All this commotion was occurring in the large open space at the front of the U shaped bar. To the right rear of the bar are a dartboard and a pool table that is free to play on Sundays. The bar is stocked with standard draught and the only ale I noticed as being available was Cotleigh’s Honey Buzzard. I didn’t spot any televisions or Sky advertisements, but there was a smoke machine that was on overdrive. To be fair the atmosphere was good natured and the middle aged regulars here certainly know how to enjoy themselves. I left thinking ‘holy bejesus that is one crazy pub’.