Bridge Inn, Exeter

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Blackthorn _ left this review about Bridge Inn

A well regard pub on the outskirts of Topsham overlooking the river, and in fact, just a very short drive from J30 of the M5, this had been on my list for a while but it does not open all day and a previous attempt had unfortunately found it closed.

The pub consists of two rooms either side of a small hallway. The cosier, and smaller, of the two rooms is at the end of the hallway on the right, although the entrance door is not immediately obvious, blending seamlessly in to the wood panelled wall. The room is quite compact, with just four or five tables squeezed in, along with quite a small serving hatch. It can’t really be called a bar counter as there are no beer engines or anything else for dispensing drinks. Presumably they are poured directly from stillage elsewhere. Décor wise it’s very traditional with mustard colour painted wallpaper on the upper part of the walls and the ceiling and black painted wood panelling down below. What appeared a little like a church pew had a very high, curved back and this back actually formed part of the wall between the room and the hallway. A stone fireplace in one corner had a wood burning stove blazing away which was a nice touch, and next to this were a couple of rifles as well as some daggers and swords. Various strings of hops were string around, as well as a butterfly collection in a round frame, a few old pictures and a string of Union Jack flags that looked so old they could well have been there since the queen’s coronation. A small grandfather clock stood next to the serving hatch. Words don’t really do it justice, but I thought it had a really lovely ambience, and is definitely one of the best pubs I have been in. The other, larger room to the front of the pub didn’t seem quite as cosy, with large bay windows letting in plenty of light, but was nonetheless still a pleasant enough spot.

Due to the lack of pumps on the bar, selection was made from a printed menu which also helpfully included the ABV and tasting notes and the choice on this occasion was Salcombe Island Street Porter, Pitchfork Beer Ninja, Palmer’s 200, Teignworthy Thirsty Blonde and Branscombe Branoc. The solitary cider meanwhile was Branscombe Vale’s Flat Calm. Definitely a must visit if in the area, or perhaps even if you’re not.

On 15^th February 2023 - rating: 10
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