City Gate Hotel, Exeter

Young's pub with boutique rooms ,it's a large building with high ceilings but with an unfortunate modern refurb which has eliminated a lot of character.There are various sections with a long bar to the left,large armchairs in the window spaces,a side section with a very long bench in brown leather and lots of flock wallpaper and strange colours.Further back is another seating area,then a conservatory before doors to a large beer garden.Along a corridor to the open kitchen and loos is a private room which can be hired for functions. The bar sported 5 handpumps but three were "back soon " (Otter Ale and Amber,Youngs London Special )leaving a choice of Hanlon's Stomstay and Yellow Hammer (decent,NBSS 3.5).You might want to include this on a real ale tour but the pub itself is rather souless and could be so much better .

Recently done-over by the Youngs refurb brigade and what results is a fairly dull and mimsy affair, from decor to music. The jumbo conservatory is of passing interest and is probably what keeps it in operating profit with the dining pashmina classes. An optimistic four cask on the bar, 2x Youngs and 2x Hanlons. My half of the latter's IPA was a lacklustre stale mess (NBSS 1.5). Don't bother.