The Hare & Hounds, Sidmouth

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This large roadside pub is, by nature of its location on a main road, a bit of a grockle trap, but we were nonetheless pleasantly surprised once we'd got past the huge car park and into the pub itself. There is some outside seating on one side to take advantage of a view across the Devon countryside, and there is large garden at the rear, mostly lawn , which includes a children's play area. Inside, there are 4 main open-plan areas. The main bar at the front is L-shaped , there is a 'Tap Room' in the centre and the 'Hound Bar' at the back, the latter looking like a former skittle alley though, like all the other areas, it is mostly laid to table for diners. The one comfy area, a small collection of Chesterfields, is by a woodburner in a chimney breast near the main door. Timber beams are on display, and the floors are mostly wood. The staff were very helpful, welcoming and efficient, which was just as well as the rush of families demanding their cooked lunch started just as soon as we'd sat down with our pints. It didn't have much of a local feeling, but it was comfortable and the beer was good - on draft were Otter Bitter and Ale, plus Glastonbury Best Bitter and Black Rat Cider. Also available were Amstel, Guinness, Moretti and Thatcher's Gold and Haze. It has some of the qualities of a chain but is in fact family owned and I'd be happy to drop in again for a pint or a lunch when passing, provided it's not at a busy time.

On 29^th December 2025 - rating: 6
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