The Cider Press, Plymouth

The Cider Press is a small quayside bar with a bar counter along the right wall that faces open plan barrel tables and very uncomfortable ‘Jack Daniels’ branded high stools. Some stairs lead up but I was the only customer during a recent midweek visit so I didn’t investigate. The décor is mainly wood with some horse brasses thrown in. Live music is advertised for every Thursday evening, during my stay the background music was mainstream club from the 2000’s. The bar supports standard keg alongside Pravha and the five hand pumps were drawing three ciders from Lilley’s and two from Sheppy’s. the barman was polite, but I didn’t rate this place so will walk past next time.

A lovely GII listed quayside building but don't be fooled by the name, there are only three ciders in here and all pretty mainstream - 2x Cornish Orchards and Westons. Essentially it's a small room with whitewashed stone walls and an upstairs area. Freezing cold with the door propped open (all the staff were wrapped up like Eskimos) and no other punters, bar a gaggle of girls who came in, went for a wazz and promptly walked out. Two ales on; Bay Topsail was awful and taken off. Doom Bar was better but came in a plastic cup. Absolutely dire, even the staff were taking the piss about how bad it was. The worst pub I’ve been in this year? Possibly.

This old haunt of mine has a habit of not getting round to opening from Mon-Weds in the off months. Last night however it was on good form and I had a tasty RCH Pitchfork from one of the five hand pumps. I'd been drinking heavily elsewhere for several days whilst waiting for it to open, however, so can't remember a great deal else.