Culm Valley Inn  

This pub is 300 years old and sits right on the River Culm just off the B3391. Dont be put off by the external appearance of this pub, one inside the decor is very welcoming and is much like any gastro pub, which is what this is at present. There are bare dark boards and low lighting (candles on the tables). There are a number of rooms, only two of which have direct access to the bar. These are the original spaces and have a mixture of tables and chairs. There is for example a large round tables in the bay window with bench seating - which means you will have to share it unless in a large group. You can also hang your coat up here, it would also probably be safe to do so. There are newspapers here and a real fireplace, used in winter. Old pictures are dotted about the walls and there is also writing on them here and there. The second room is bigger and goes to the back of the pub. Here there are more intimate seating arrangements and a large blackboard above the fireplace with the food menu on it. You will also find lots of chilli bottles here too (check the BBF dates though). A smaller part of the single length bar is here, but this is really where the food part starts. Beers on are varied and there is usually three to four on at any one time. A paddle in the main bar has the pump clips of beers on stillage ready to come on. You also tend to get served directly out of the barrel too which makes a change. Choices come from mainly local breweries, but some from further afield. There is a selection of lagers, but the real prize is the wine, from real French vineyards rather than from a supermarket. Farm cider is available, this is Devon after all. Now for the food, locally sourced if possible and cooked to order. This is not bar food, but gastro pub food, cooked by the owner who always comes and asks you how you found the food. There are a choice of helping size and includes mussels, Lebanese flatbread parcels, etc. Prices range from ?7 to ?11. Check the level of choice if travelling out on a Sunday. Although smoking is allowed, they tend to discourage you in the eating areas. In addition to the pub area, there is a back room with toilets that is now used as an eating area and is a bright yellow colour and minimalist in decor. Despite the food, this is not a pub just for eating and it has a strong local following who just go for the beers. For the summer there are tables overlooking the bridge and the River Culm. There is accommodation here - ?50. By the way, they don't take credit cards, so come prepared. Children are also welcome away from the bar and if eating. Dogs are also welcome as they have their own which roam the pub at will.

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