The St. George and Dragon, Exeter

I stayed at the St. George & Dragon on a recent Wednesday so had a drink here before wandering down to Topsham which is about a 15 minute walk away. The traditional and rustic interior is L-shaped with a central red tile floored bar area with a wooden serving counter across the rear. To the left of the counter is a large central chimney breast with fireplace and behind this is the hotel check in. To the left is a wooden floored lounge and further left is a dining area where the morning’s breakfast was hosted. There was a wake in progress in the right-hand side of the pub, but I did stick my nose in when I was checking out the following morning to find lots of set tables. Premium keg was available alongside Neck Oil and two of the five hand pumps were in use drawing St Austell’s Proper Job and Sharp’s Doom Bar. The service was polite and I didn’t have any issues with my room, but I didn’t leave having been wowed.

Large Vintage Inns pub on road junction, so as expected mainly given over to food, which was ok but pretty much as you might expect. Interior pleasant enough but again fairly predictable. Beer was ok though - Cask marque listed. Rear part seems to be more of a motel than anything else.

A large detached corner pub and hotel, with black beams and white rendered exterior belonging to the Vintage Inn group. The interior is like most Vintage Inns i have been to. It is open plan, a nesting of small areas that are more food orientated. The decor is white wood panel and light walls, with lots of pictures and prints dotted about. There is a stone type floor with some pew seats and some high backed chairs. Service was friendly, the clientele mixed and the background music of a decent level. Beer; usual tap stuff of course, with an excellent St Austell Tribute, with Sharpe's Doombar and Wells Bombardier. I will always say that Vintage Inns at least try to give a feel of tradition and difference to their pubs, in an age where many places are going sofa and arty pics. I would go here again and if their food is as good as other VI's then i would eat here too.

Official site of the St. George & Dragon, includes menu and real ale list - www.vintageinn.co.uk