The New Quay Inn, Brixham

This pub has a dual personality as it is a traditional local drinkers pub during the day but more of a music venue on the evenings. The narrow building between a main road and a pedestrian alleyway has two rooms, on the main road side and at street level is the music venue and bar which was closed during this visit, on the alleyway side is a tiny basement style public bar, this has a small bar counter across the back wall opposite the entrance, white wood settles, white beamed ceiling and exposed stone walls, on the left of the room is a rustic stone fire place with a cast iron grate and a shabby grey leather sofa, a couple of the short stools were solid wood with an old bearded mans face carved into them, like Zeus or more likely Poseidon. On the walls were modern paintings by local artists. Be warned if you have a weak heart, the walls in the gents toilets are virtually pornographic with a montage of sleazy magazine clippings pasted all over. Regular ale is currently Otter Ale with two guest beers, which on this occasion were Bays Topsail and Bays Up’n’under (brewed for the rugby world cup 2011). The Otter and Up’n’under were both in good condition in my opinion. The public bar is a brilliant traditional room with loads of character, I felt very comfortable in here sat on the high stools at the bar with the regulars, one of whom was accompanied by their dog. I didn’t see any evidence of food or a menu and it’s not the kind of place that you would take the kids. I enjoyed the beer and the atmosphere so I will return when in the area again.

Pub & Carvery, large terrace style interior based on an all day carvery £3-50 Mon-Sat. No Real ales but drinks reasonably priced. Large car park.

Probably the best pub for beer. 3 real ales kept on good form in an old world style boozer.