The Boathouse, Dawlish

Visited in April. Not quite sure why, but at the time of my visit only the upstairs area was open. However due to the varying ground level this can be accessed from the sea wall side without climbing any steps etc. Two hand pulls for cask on the upstairs bar, offering Doom Bar and Parkway Beaky Blinder as the guest ale. This was a nice refreshing golden ale and very much welcome after a trip to the beach. There is a large beer garden at this higher level, and a few picnic tables at the lower level. As a family friendly foody place, this is not bad at all, made better by the presence of the guest ale.

Wood clad pub located in the heart of the slots, sweets and tat part of town so I wasn't expecting much. It’s large inside and kind of reminiscent of a Hungry Horse or similar. Three pumps at the bar with a surprisingly eclectic selection of Sharps Doom Bar, Exeter Avocet and Hanlons Yellow Hammer, the latter of which was a fair drop (NBSS 2.5). Grand National on the telly, fried food on the tables and squawking kids in the aisles. Not one for the purists but nowhere near as bad as I expected so fair play.

The Boathouse is a smart family friendly pub slap bang in the heart of Dawlish Warren amongst all the (touristy) shops, funfair, beach etc. As such it could get away with being a tacky hovel and would probably still be busy, but thankfully it has not gone down that route. We visited in April for a swift drink after we had been for a walk. The real ale choice at the time was Doom Bar, Avocet by Exeter and BOB by Wickwar. I've had BOB before and was not a fan, so went for the Avocet which was OK. They also do the usual range of soft drinks plus coffees, hot chocolates etc, so there is something for everyone which is ideal when you are dragging the family into a pub for liquid refreshment! Food is available though it's been years since I have eaten there, decent enough selection on the menu though and I'd be happy to eat there on another occasion. A busy and popular family friendly pub, albeit with a fairly safe selection of real ales.