The Masons Arms, Seaton

Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Masons Arms

One of two pubs in the long and sprawling village of Branscombe, the Mason's Arms is at the eastern end. It is the more popular of the two pubs and seemingly the one used more by diners.

There are multiple rooms on different levels. With slate floors and stone walls, it has a very traditional feel. We sat at a table in the main bar area next to a rather large fireplace, as most tables were reserved or already taken by diners. Hops above the bar and in the fireplace complete the traditional look. Dogs and children are welcome and various board games such as Trivial Pursuit and Chess were available to play from near the rear entrance.

Toilets can be found outdoors to the rear, where there is also an outdoor patio for drinking. A larger patio to the front of the pub has more tables, some with their own thatched roofs. There is a large car park to the rear, along with a number of accommodation units. A quick peak inside revealed some nicely appointed rooms.

Service was not the best. It was quite a wait whilst the barmaid made several coffees. When finally served, she could not manage to top up the cider we had ordered (Thatcher's Haze), as it was far too gassy. After a few attempts, she gave up and left us with half a glass of foam. This was also easily the most expensive round from 27 pubs visited in Devon & Cornwall, with the half (more like a quarter pint) of cider and 2 soft drinks coming to £10.25. Had the barmaid charged me for a pint. It's possible, but it wasn't beyond the realms of possibility that £10.25 was correct for such a tourist-oriented pub.

There were 3 handpulls. With one unclipped, the others had Tribute & Anthem on them. Keg options included Arctic Sky & Mena Dhu. Whilst I didn't have either of the ales, I did notice that the barmaid was also struggling to pour those too. Perhaps there was a problem with the cellar?

Despite the traditional feel to this place, I'd agree with the previous reviewer. It had a bit of a corporate feel and staff didn't really seem to care what level of service they provided, or alternatively they were bordering on incompetent. Prices are steep, but somehow this was the busier of the two pubs in the village. So, why would they choose to change?

On 10^th August 2024 - rating: 5
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