The Chevalier Inn (Lloyds No.1), Exeter

Rather uninspiring outlet with a fairly cramped bar area supplemented by a few tables out on the pavement (and there may be another bar upstairs, but didn't visit this). There were seven different real ales available from the ten handpumps, and once you skipped past the Ruddle's, Abbott and Doom Bar, one was left with a couple of international brews, Cotleigh Snowy (Owl) and Royal Hunt from Hunter's (£2.45).

A two-level JDW, converted in 2009 from an old Hogs Head outlet. Two long sets of semi-booth seating on the lower floor, whilst upstairs offers a less-than-enticing view over the road to the dilapidated BHS department store. Some nice bits of décor and a cut above the generic Spoons-by-numbers. Fancy carpet over both floors, with a bar area on each too. Limited in its range of interesting ales, my Celt Saison was nonetheless in decent nick, even if it was yet another reminder that real ale simply doesn’t work with that peculiar Belgian style. A decent enough JDW though the weakest of the three in Exeter for my money. In another town less well-served by the Mullet Man’s empire, this would work fairly well.