The Masons Arms, Seaton

One of two pubs in the long and sprawling village of Branscombe, the Mason's Arms is at the eastern end. It is the more popular of the two pubs and seemingly the one used more by diners. There are multiple rooms on different levels. With slate floors and stone walls, it has a very traditional feel. We sat at a table in the main bar area next to a rather large fireplace, as most tables were reserved or already taken by diners. Hops above the bar and in the fireplace complete the traditional look. Dogs and children are welcome and various board games such as Trivial Pursuit and Chess were available to play from near the rear entrance. Toilets can be found outdoors to the rear, where there is also an outdoor patio for drinking. A larger patio to the front of the pub has more tables, some with their own thatched roofs. There is a large car park to the rear, along with a number of accommodation units. A quick peak inside revealed some nicely appointed rooms. Service was not the best. It was quite a wait whilst the barmaid made several coffees. When finally served, she could not manage to top up the cider we had ordered (Thatcher's Haze), as it was far too gassy. After a few attempts, she gave up and left us with half a glass of foam. This was also easily the most expensive round from 27 pubs visited in Devon & Cornwall, with the half (more like a quarter pint) of cider and 2 soft drinks coming to £10.25. Had the barmaid charged me for a pint. It's possible, but it wasn't beyond the realms of possibility that £10.25 was correct for such a tourist-oriented pub. There were 3 handpulls. With one unclipped, the others had Tribute & Anthem on them. Keg options included Arctic Sky & Mena Dhu. Whilst I didn't have either of the ales, I did notice that the barmaid was also struggling to pour those too. Perhaps there was a problem with the cellar? Despite the traditional feel to this place, I'd agree with the previous reviewer. It had a bit of a corporate feel and staff didn't really seem to care what level of service they provided, or alternatively they were bordering on incompetent. Prices are steep, but somehow this was the busier of the two pubs in the village. So, why would they choose to change?

This is a classic picture postcard country pub set in a lovely location. Well maintained, clean and with friendly and helpful staff. However, it seems to have lost the village pub atmosphere for a corporate one. Inside there are two bar areas either side of the serving area, with further dining areas to the right. Food plays a big part, but St. Austell IPA, Tribute, Summa That, Tinners and Proper Job were all available on hand pump. I tried the IPA which was fine. It seems to be busy most of the time, (they do have several cottage rooms to stay in,) and is worth a visit.

Masons Arms pages at the St Austell brewery site - www.staustellbrewery.co.uk

Masons Arms pages at the St Austell brewery site - www.staustellbrewery.co.uk

The epitome of a country pub. A stone build, it is detached, occupying two buildings, with a thatched porch and a beer patio at the front and i think, round the back as well. It has climbing plants up the walls - its all so very English! The interior has two rooms, a bar and a lounge/dining area, for the food it serves. It is white rendered, with what you would expect, lots of old pictures, memorabilia, an open fire, giving a nice wood burning smell. A central bar serves both rooms. It was very friendly and packed full of a mixed clientele - too packed, thats why i didnt eat here. Beer; apart from tap tosh, there was Otter Bitter and Amber (very nice), the local Branscombe Branoc and Summer That and Exe Valley XXV on handpull, so a very good choice of very local and Devonshire beer. I never had a chance to try the Fountain up the road. If it is as good as this, i want to move to Branscombe. The photo doesnt really show the pub, its to the left, behind the trees!

Official site of the Masons Arms, includes menus - www.masonsarms.co.uk