The Drum Inn, Torquay

This is a lovely symmetrical thatched cottage pub with tall chimney stacks which is a more recent addition to the picture postcard village of Cockington as it was designed by the world famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and built in 1936 to fit in with the existing buildings in the medieval village centre. It is grade II listed and now owned by M&B as part of their Vintage Inns brand. The interior has been open plan since the early 80’s but has three distinguishable areas, a central public bar with a dining area on either side. The two entrances either side of a central bay window lead directly into the public bar which is a little unusual as it has two small dark wood panel bar counters across the back wall that are separated by a fire place with cast grate, large steel hood and chimney breast directly in the middle, in between the two entrances are a few high backed arm chairs, short stools and round tables. There is a long thin dining area on the right of the building with a small ingle nook style fire place with thick timber lintel in the middle of the right wall. On the left of the building is a second long thin dining area and an extension which is on a slightly higher level up a couple of steps, this also has a small ingle nook in the left wall. The décor throughout is traditional with lots of dark wood furniture and old photos and paintings on the walls and parquet floors, although I did spot a couple of the dreaded vases with arrangements of twigs. To the front left of the building is a large red brick patio area with picnic tables on a couple of levels overlooking a large lawn on the lowest level. Regular ales are currently St Austell Tribute and Butcomb Bitter with an occasional guest beer which was absent on this visit. I had a Butcomb which was in good condition (Cask Marque). A good pub which has been carefully designed and furnished sympathetically to fit in with the olde worlde charm of the surrounding village of Cockington. The pub lacks a bit of atmosphere due to its large open plan layout and emphasis on dining but they have at least bothered to set aside a small area for people who just want a drink and a chat. I have eaten here but it was on a previous visit a couple of years ago, so I couldn’t comment on the current quality of the food but the vintage Inns menu has the usual pub grub with a bit of a fancy twist. I would return if visiting the village again, which I no doubt will.

The Drum Inn is well known in Torquay and across Devon as a good country pub. we are nestled at the top of the beautiful village of Cockington near Torquay. There is always a warm welcome with roaring log fires, freshly prepared food, a good selection of real ales and a wine menu for you to choose from.

Official site of the Drum Inn, contains menus and real ale listing - www.vintageinn.co.uk

Official site of the Drum Inn, contains menus and real ale listing - www.vintageinn.co.uk