The Barrel of Beer, Seaton

Facebook page of The Barrel of Beer - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Barrel of Beer - www.facebook.com

When you see a notice beside the door saying that "I've had a beer, in Beer, at the Barrel of Beer" you just have to go in and have a pint, don't you? Anyway, it proves to be the village's proper traditional pub rather than a tourist trap so that's a good start. And if the sun's out and you can grab a seat at one of the tables on the front terrace, even better. Three cask ales on handpump: Doom Bar, Otter Bitter and the local Branscombe Golden Fiddle (£4.35).

Wet-led pub that appears to be preferred by the local villagers. The wooden bar is in front of you as you enter, with stools all around it. There are fireplaces on both the left and right walls. A TV was showing the Olympics over the left-hand fireplace, whilst there was another one in the front right-head corner and one to the rear of the pub. Sky Sports & BT Sport are advertised. There was also a fruit machine being used by one of the two other customers, along with a pool table and a jukebox. A monthly meat draw was advertised. The pub is decorated with various fishing and maritime ephemera, whilst there are plants and a cider flagon in the window. A scarf belonging to local football team Beer Albion can be found on one beam to the rear. 3 cask ales are dispensed - Branscombe Golden Fiddle, Otter Bitter & Sharp's Doom Bar. I was also pleased to find a couple of bag-in-the-box ciders from local producer Norcott's - a Traditional Cider and their Rhubarb Cider.

Probably the most handsome looking pub in the village - looking very spick and span from the outside. I only popped my head indoors - taking advantage of one of the two large tables outside. It looked traditional. I think there was a choice of two ales on and I went for a LocALE Branscombe Golden Fiddle. Lovely pint but interesting to see others comments that the beer is served too cold. Not that I minded on a glorious day like today but I can't remember having a Real Ale so cold before. Would certainly go back.