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Detail Pages
The Drum Inn, Torquay
Cockington
Postal town: Torquay
TQ2 6XA
Pub Type
Vintage Inns (Mitchells & Butlers)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Drum Inn
The picturesque village of Cockington is located only a mile away from Torquay station but you would never know since it is hidden away in a valley and surrounded by a country park. It has many interesting buildings, not least this striking pub which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for the then owner of the estate. With its thatched roof and extensive landscape gardens, it is really makes an impression on arriving visitors, and although the interior has been partly remodelled and modernised, the various seating / dining areas retain a lot of character. Being operated by Vintage Inns, you will know what to expect from the menu, but the surroundings certainly add something extra to a meal. Finding just Doom Bar and Tribute on the four handpumps is the only slight disappointment, but if you go for the pub rather than the beer you will be very glad you made the effort.
On 8th June 2019
- rating: 8
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ale Monster left this review about The Drum Inn
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.
On 4th March 2013
- rating: 7
[User has posted 199 recommendations about 199 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Pete Snelling left this review about The Drum Inn
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.
On 22nd July 2009
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 4 recommendations about 4 pubs]