Eddystone Inn, Plymouth

A largeish pub set into the rock overlooking the coastline around Heybrook Bay, albeit the view is partially obscured my some more modern houses set into the lower parts. The lighthouse from which it takes its name can be seen some twelve miles out to sea, and two of the bar areas are named after engineers who built previous lighthouses on those rocks. The pub is situated inside a turn of the steep road and presents the choice of entering the upper floor down two flights of steps from the higher part of the road, or carry on round the corner of the road and ascend as many steps to the lower level of the pub. The upper level houses the Bay View Restaurant area appears to operate mainly as a function room and was closed on our visit. The lower level has two main rooms – Smeaton’s Bar being the main bar area made out in a pale blue colour, with a mix of sofas and seating, television, games machine and (blue baize, obviously) pool table, and the Winstanley Restaurant and Bar, a bland affair with a bit of a fish and chip shop feel to it. The four ale pumps offered Pilgrim, Doombar and White Horse Village Idiot, with the fourth empty, and my pint of Village Idiot was in good shape. The food menu was pretty good value at around £7-10 for main courses, which were much better quality than I expected, and a specials board as well, and service was very helpful and efficient. I wouldn’t say this was a classic pub to visit, as it just misses what it ought to be on so many counts, but it seems to be doing a good job and was a decent enough place to stop off for a drink and something to eat.