The Flintlock Inn, Honiton

A food-led pub that is so far up its own barrel that it can see its muzzle from the inside. There is a fairly useless garden and a reasonable car park, plus some wooden benches at the front from which to enjoy the traffic. Inside there are various exposed timbers, some fake, which nicely suit the dire muzac, giving the overall impression of a down-market funeral home waiting room. In the single long bar are a large inglenook and woodburner, adding the only hint of comfort (no comfy seats, just tables and a few barstools). The floor is a mix of cheap laminate and industrial carpet. Dogs are not allowed in. Food is ordinary pub fare, well cooked and presented but overpriced at around 60% more than other nearby pubs. Beer was also overpriced by about 15%. There were 4 handpumps but only 2 ales on, Otter and Tribute, both badly kept and in poor condition. The smarmy foreign bar manager initially welcomed us, then got a sad-on when we said we were only having a drink. We weren’t allowed to sit down - apparently all the tables were reserved, though during our hour there most remained empty. We sat on uncomfortable bar stools, which was not conducive to social intercourse, especially as the aforementioned bar manager wouldn’t speak to us. Keep your powder dry and leave it to dogless tourists who have more money than taste.