Globe Hotel, Exeter

This is a very large dining pub and hotel with a complex interior, just a short distance from the riverfront. Entering through a small porch area with a beautiful mosaic tile floor and stained glass window inserts, you are faced with a choice between the bar to the left and a restaurant area to the right, with another large dining space through to the rear. As I only intended to pop in for a quick drink, I made my way into the bar area, which is quite a homely space with dark wood floorboards, near full height wall panels painted in neutral shades, and a high beamed ceiling. The bar is along the front wall and has a nice old wood panelled counter front and traditional bar back. One rather lonely high table with stools stands opposite bar but most of the seating is in an open space to the left including some padded benches under the front window bay, and a bunch of tub and standard chairs serving a mix of table sizes. There’s a nice lit brick fireplace on the end wall with a wood pile to one side, whilst a few old pictures, books and ornaments decorate the room in general. The restaurant area, over in the right-hand side of the building, is similarly styled, but mostly filled with standard tables and chairs, with the tables all laid in readiness for lunch. The rear space also had a lot of basic tables and chairs, but these weren't set, so I can only assume they are up for grabs in a free-for-all between drinkers and diners. There appeared to be a good sized patio garden area out the back with plenty of seating and shelter, but I didn’t explore properly. The pub is a St Austell house, so three of their beers occupied the four handpulls - Tribute, Proper Job and Trelawny - with the final pull unused. The slightly formal hotel bar meets restaurant vibe was eased considerably by a very cheery, wise cracking barmaid who made everyone feel welcome and was arguably the best thing about this entire visit. My pint of Trelawny was in decent nick, as befitting of a pub that made the cut in the latest Good Beer Guide. This place is really one for those who are in town looking for a bite to eat, or indeed for somewhere to stay, rather than those looking for decent beer, but they do keep their ale well and with the friendly service and comfortable furniture, there’s enough here to reward anyone who is brave enough to look for an alternative to the Bridge Inn.

GBG 2022 entry. This is a posh gastro/hotel owned by St Austell. Saved by two things - 1) a large, covered and heated beer garden on decking. Inside is not really setup for drinkers and everyone else was dining. 2) Exceptional quality Proper Job - the type of pint that leaves thick lacings down the glass, showing tide marks of exactly how much was consumed in each gulp.

Well-run and comfortable hotel, now owned by St Austell brewery with collection of rooms and eating areas clustered round a busy bar. Much old panelling and woodwork gives a welcoming feel. Large outdoor area in courtyard at rear, with accommodation beyond. Good range of ales from St Austell stable; Cask Marque registered.