Little Drop of Poison, Exeter

Official site of Little Drop of Poison - www.littledropofpoison.co.uk

Official site of Little Drop of Poison - www.littledropofpoison.co.uk

Strange place, being a mix of old-school alehouse and a modern student-focused bar. Anyway, it was busy on a Friday evening, so good to see it working for whoever it sees as its market. The floorplan comprises two parts; a basic seating and pool table area as you enter through the corner door, and a larger in front of and alongside the counter. Disappointingly, just a pair of Bristol Beer Factory cask ales - an excellent Delray Beach (£4.80) and a Plum Porter - available from a bank of eight handpumps. However, there is also a good range of crafty keg beers on offer from the taps on the bar-back.

An overwhelming smell of damp hits you on the way in. The feel is very much that of mid 90s student plub; dark green on all non-floor surfaces, some light wood fittings, dark varnished furniture from a former life 40 years ago and a pool table. Rock sound track. Eight pumps with just a cider and solitary cask, a tired but drinkable Bristol Beer Factory Endeavour (NBSS 2). There's a modern tiled craft keg wall but the utter lack of promotion meant I couldn't be arsed to note if it was of any interest. The Cuckoo is a much better bet for your crafty wares. 5.5