Marine Tavern, Dawlish

Visited in April while on holiday. Four hand pulls at the bar for cask ale - two by Dartmoor, plus Avocet Ale and a cider. The previous review describes it well - it certainly has a certain 90s vibe to it, and apart from the room at the front is a little dark and bordering on gloomy inside. This was a Monday afternoon visit so not busy, with a small group of what I assumed to be locals in front of the bar. It wasn't unfriendly but didn't feel particularly welcoming either. I don't think my pint of Dartmoor IPA was in the best of condition. Don't regret trying it, but probably wouldn't make an effort to return.

Seafront bar, down a couple of steps past a sun-trap patiio. Inside is quite cosy in an early 90’s sort of way, a higgledy-piggeldy interior with a number of discrete drinking areas including two separate front snugs. Decor colour of choice is deep red with the chairs, carpet, walls all sporting it. Live music heavily pushed with it also featuring on the pub t-shirts which were hung around the place. The plus points of the Dawlish seafront wall action pictures and assorted rail memorabilia was negated by the dreadful quotes and slogans scribbled on the beams (who on earth ever think these are a good idea?). GBG listed and there were four ales on; Sharps Doom Bar, Exmoor Gold, Dartmoor Legend and Dartmoor Best which unfortunately had that ‘first of the day feel’ to it (NBSS 2.5). A nice place overall, shame the beer wasn't pulled through – a little thing that separates the great from the good.