Hole in the Wall, Torquay

This has got to be one of (if not) the best traditional pubs in Torquay, It was first opened as an Inn around 1540 and is therefore one of the oldest buildings in the town. It is currently a privately owned free house which also has a large restaurant attached. The interior is a single L shaped room with a large L shaped bar counter that has eleven hand pumps, there is an original cobbled floor, low beamed ceiling, wood panelling and settles with wooden models of 18th and 19th century Royal Navy sailing ships and early 20th century signs on the walls. At the back of the room is a fairly private alcove which I imagine was probably used by pirates and sailors when making dodgy deals. On the left of the room is the entrance to the large restaurant which I didn’t go in, but I did notice they advertise that it can seat up to seventy people. At the front of the pub is a narrow alley way with hanging baskets and benches. Regular ales are Sharp’s Doom Bar, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Butcombe Bitter, Otter Bitter and Bays Best with as many as five changing guest beers and a Real Cider. A couple of the guests that I noted were Bays Topsail, Teignworthy Reel Ale and Hunters Gold. I had four different halves, all of which were in good condition (GBG 2010). This place is not in the GBG 2011 which I think is a travesty! A fantastic traditional pub with loads of character and a cosy feel, it is a little difficult to find as the pub is up a narrow side road and can’t be seen from the main street, but don’t let this deter you. I visited while on holiday but if I lived locally then I can promise you that I would definitely be a regular in this place. It is near to the harbour and the main high street so its convenient and well worth searching out.