The Vigilance (JD Wetherspoon), Brixham

Visited in April. At the bar, eight hand pulls (two banks of four) with four guests available as part of the Wetherspoons real ale festival that was taking place at the time. I went for the Terrapin Jazz which was rather nice, and I would happily have worked my way through the other options had time permitted. In addition to the guests, Abbot and Doom Bar were available, Ruddles was off, and a further pump was unclipped. This is a fairly average older style Spoons in terms of decor and furnishings, but functional and with a good beer selection. I'd be happy to call in here again.

One of the better ‘Spoons I’ve visited recently. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the ale was good. Ales on were Hunters IPA, Devon Dumpling, She Sells Seashells, Abbott and Doombar. Given how unwelcoming some of the other pubs in town were, this is definitely a pub to which I shall return.

Named after the last sailing trawler built locally, this standard shop-conversion 'spoons - with the usual dark interior - doesn't initially seem to offer much. But with the full-height front windows open on a warm spring day the place was pleasant enough for a quick drink. Seeing Dartmoor Jail Ale alongside Ruddles, Doom Bar and Abbot on the first bank of four handpumps didn't promise too much but finding four more interesting beers including Crispy Pig from Hunter's on the other set exceeded my expectations, especially as they were all just £1.99.

The Vigilance is an old school shop conversion. It's smaller than usual and the single open plan room gets darker as you move away from the front windows. The fixtures and fittings are fairly typical. It wasn't overly busy on my Saturday morning visit. There are only eight hand pumps here but the choice was better than many I've been to with ten or even twelve, namely the JDW Trio Of Doom, Dartmoor IPA & Jail Ale, Marston's Shipyard Summer Ale, Bays Crocodale and Dorset Brewing Durdle Door. I went for the Shipyard Summer Ale (£2.49) which was in good nick. Despite the dull building I thought this was a decent Spoons.