The York Inn, Exmouth

Big old pub done up in modern sports bar style with more TV screens than you could shake a stick at, as well as darts and not one, but two pool tables at the back. There is a large opening window at the front with pavement tables outside, giving a good close-up view of the main roundabout and queueing traffic. The clientele is still mainly in tracksuits and footy tops, and is still presided over by the lovely tattooed barmaid. Ales on as previous - Neap Tide, Doom Bar and Tribute - and condition seemed ok.

A straightforward open-plan place aimed at the locals and Lympstone Commandos. All pretty beige inside, but some money has been spent to keep on top of repairs. Surprised to see three ales on at the bar (Sharps Doom Bar, St Austell Tribute and Neep Tide) though normality was restored by the Neep Tide being over chilled to disguise it being faintly on the turn (NBSS 1.5). Points for the really friendly tattooed barmaid though, she ran the bar with chatty aplomb. 4.5