The Fishermans Arms, Plymouth

Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Fishermans Arms

On my first ever drinking trip to Plymouth, I chose this pub to start in, as it was closest to my overnight accommodation. So unlike Strongers, I had no problem locating it.

Despite being close to the Barbican, this pub had a different atmosphere to the others. It has bare boards and is well decorated, almost verging on being cluttered. There are fish (not real ones), fishing nets and plants suspended from the ceiling and lots of other nautical stuff on the walls. Lots of whisky bottles can be found on shelves and in cabinets.

Apart from a few high tables with stools next to the bar, most tables are set out for diners, with a raised area off to the left-hand side. However, there are enough other clues to suggest that the pub does welcome non-diners. There is a piano at the right-hand end, a TV can be found in one corner and there are board games such as chess, Lido, draughts and Monopoly available to play. Children and dogs are welcome. The bar has a fine selection of sweets in jars for the kids. There is also a small outdoor seating area on the pavement to the front of the pub.

This pub is listed in the Good Beer Guide and 3 cask ales were on - Dartmoor Legend, Bath Gem & Summerskills The Famous Mr Jones, the latter being the house beer. I had no idea it was the house beer and did not really understand the reference, assuming it to be Indiana Jones until Mr Jones himself wandered into the pub on all fours. The landlady having just returned from a holiday walked into the pub with Mr Jones having followed her instead of staying in their garden! I took a picture of the pumpclip and only now have I noticed the pub dog pictured on it!

This is a more refined drinking experience than most of the Barbican pubs. So if you can find it, it is worth a try.

On 26^th June 2026 - rating: 6
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