The Cider Press, Torquay

Looks quite appealing from the upper and lower streets which converge outside, and it proves to be a semi-traditional boozer inside Quite busy early on a Saturday evening, but even with the music turned up the atmosphere was less boisterous than the bars down by the harbour. Three handpumps on the central counter, dispensing Doom Bar, Tribute (£3.90) and Hunts Barn Screetcher cider.

One of a number of outlets on this little hill street overlooking the main thoroughfare and the only one selling any ale (Bay Topsail and Bombardier (OK, slightly warm) plus 2x Hunts cider) poured by a friendly barmaid. Dark varnished wood interior with some old tin advertising signs. Pool to the right with cricket on the TV. There’s some outside seating and the doors at the front fold fully back to allow an air of continental sophistication (which was what I was trying to achieve anyway). Dart board to rear and live music advertised. Pretty quiet for an early weekday evening but I quite liked it here. Not necessarily one to prioritise but worth crawling to. Could be even better – why not sell even more cider? It’s not like it goes off in three days.

good friendly pub

The Cider press is a traditional boozer in the centre of Torquay that was quiet during my recent Wednesday evening visit. The pub is L shaped with a front bar area and seating that stretches down the right and leads to a smoking area out the back. To the left of the bar are some very steep and narrow stairs that lead up to the toilets. The bar is stocked with standard draught and I counted three hand pumps. One of these was unused, but Devon Coast IPA and Traditional Scrumpy were available from the operational two. Cheap pub food is listed on the chalk board, but there were no diners as my visit was after the kitchen had closed. There is a plasma screen that was switched off and I didn’t spot any signs of live sports, but there was an advertisement for live music every Sunday from 18:00. There is also a jam night every Tuesday and a quiz/game show every Wednesday. There was some background music playing during my visit, but I didn’t spot a jukebox. I found the service to be friendly and I would have no problem returning here.

A good, traditional town centre pub, quite comfortable and with a bit of character. We received a good welcome and found the service very efficient from the friendly staff. The beers are well kept - my Tribute was excellent - with three ales on in total. We didn't eat but the menu is normal pub grub - quite uninspiring but looked to be good value. Above average.