|  | 
ONE PUB ONLY?
Great Western
CRAWLING FROM RAILWAY STATION TO THE GROUND?
Great Western, Jolly Porter and on to the Bowling Green
SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT?
Prince of Wales or Rusty Bike
|  |  Bowling Green
Address: 29/30 Blackboy Road, Exeter Devon EX4 6STTel: 01392 678962
Licensee: Richard Cross
Food: home cooked pub fare. Prices £3.75 to £5.99
Food times: 12-2.30, 5-8.30 Tues to Sat, 12-4 Sunday roast (Monday filled rolls)
Parking: on-street (2 hours)
TV: freeview, mostly rugby
Music: mixed live bands Sat, occasional skiffle Thurs
Pub games: pool, chess, backgammon tables, bar billiards
Disabled: gate at top of bar
Smoking: area at back
Open: 11-11.30 Mon to Sat, 12-11 Sun
The Bowling Green lies on the St James’ Park side of the main road northbound from the city centre – easy to get to and from M5 junction 29, or a modest drive away from the A38 to a host of glorious Devon countryside, villages and pubs. Sue Dorrington has been manager since the century began, and runs a busy, welcoming establishment. The beers are lovely and the food just right for pre-footy ingestion. There is a book cycle club – motto ‘from tree to book and back again’ and that rare offering, traditional bar billiards complete with mushrooms (recently restored). Patrons are a ‘real mixed bag’ including professionals, students and tradesmen. This harks back to the days when it was called the Ropemakers’, the name being changed by Devenish, its then new owners. Their successors, Enterprise, were evidently happy with ‘Bowling Green’ – well there is one opposite. Perhaps a quick turn between pints? The pub also hosts all shades and generations of football and rugby supporters, some after the game. Sue supported the view that real ale is becoming trendy – the young are buying it. The food is concocted in the Irish manner (full of blarney – the cook sings while she’s brewing). The single bar is on two levels, with steps up to the games section, and with irregularly angled ceilings, giving an impression of expanse. Benefitting from an obvious, central location, the pub is busier than many, especially at weekends.
BWV 6/12/08: Otter Ale and Bitter, Greene King Old Speckled Hen; Sharp’s Doom Bar. Taunton Traditional Cider | |  Great Western Hotel
Station Approach, Exeter EX4 4NU Tel: 01392 274039 W: www.greatwesternhotel.co.uk
Licensee: Tracy Gilbert
Food: From 12
Parking: station car park, but advice is ‘avoid’
TV: widescreen – ESPN, Sky
Music: radio stations only
Pub games: none
Disabled: wide front door; disabled toilet
Smoking: outside
Open: 10 - 12 daily
The Great Western is such an obvious convenience, offering all a fan of any scarf colour might want in association with the main event at St James’ Park. The provision offered includes all day food – kick off with an ample breakfast. Try a few of the manifold beers on tap – on this visit nine, but it may become even more. Manager Tracy has been guv’nor since early 2008 and runs an efficient and welcoming hotel (40 rooms upstairs) which some of the time takes on an old-world character, with a pleasant lounge in which to recline with your newspaper, aided by the quirky shape and changing levels (be careful) of what is really a single-room bar. Built in 1847, it continues the tradition of serving travellers’ needs, for a pint, a meal or a stay. It’s also an establishment which is open for 14 hours a day. How many of those are there? I suspect the evening hours outstrip the railway service. On this occasion, on a Saturday morning, there was a group of about 20 ‘Daisy Days’ embarking upon a real ale trail up the Tarka Line towards Barnstaple, interrupting the journey at such tempting local stations as Umberleigh. It would also have been tempting to join them. The bar’s clientele is abundant and varied – the University Real Ale Society patronizes it, sensible people, and lending fuel to the observation that real ale is increasingly taking off at an early age. Train spotters and railway workers mix here. It’s a fine real ale venue with patrons to match – the rugby fraternity and away football supporters at the discretion of management. No hassle!
BWV 4/4/09: Always - Branscombe Vale Branoc, RCH IPA, Pitchfork, Dartmoor Jail Ale, O’Hanlon’s Yellowhammer, Original Port Stout
Guest - Crown Art Blakey, Exe Valley Devon Heaven, John Smith’s Cask Bitter
Mick Escott
7/4/09
BWV 21.8.10 Branscombe Vale Branoc Ale, Dartmoor Jail Ale, HopBack Halcyon Daze, John Smiths Cask Bitter, O'Hanlons Port Stout, Yellow Hammer, RCH Pitchfork, P G Steam
Transport: next to Exeter St David’s Station, with connection to St James’ Park Station adjacent to the ground; buses to city centre, thence regular to near ground; taxi rank outside station | |  Rusty Bike
Address: 67 Howell Road, Exeter EX4 6PX Tel: 01392 214440
Licensee: Hamish Lothian, Manager Iain Jones
Food: rustic/country produce and wide-ranging menu; roasts on Sunday 12-2.30 Mon – Sat, 6 – 10 Mon – Sat, Sun lunch 12 – 3.30
Smoking: big yard at back
Parking: open car park city end of Howell Road 5 mins, Streets above pub towards ground beyond restricted zone.
TV: no
Music: cds
Pub games: table football (French 1960s), cards and various board games
Disabled: full access; disabled toilet
Open: 12–3 Mon - Fri, 5-11 Mon – Thurs, 5-1am Fri, 12–1am Sat, 12–11 Sun, SUMMER OPENING WILL VARY, opening at 5 in the week
Rail: Exeter Central nearest, St David’s and St James’ Park 10 mins
Taxi: A1 01392 218 888
This is a recent addition to the Exeter pub scene and ideal for a wandering footy person, especially if on the way from St David’s Station as it’s halfway to the ground. An inn since 1805, it was formerly the Eagle Tavern, run by City hero Tony Kellow, after which it was in sore need of rescue after four years’ of closure. The Eagle sign sits proudly in the right hand bar, in a building completely transformed from its sad erstwhile state by owner Hamish Lothian and manager David Lewis.
Reclamation materials have played a substantial part. The flooring was in a previous life cheeseboards (Glos Stilton - the faded round cheese shapes are evident on the walls) and pew ends enjoy new purpose in the bar, all of which looks out onto Howell Road, as well as the back yard on the left hand side. In addition there are plans for an outdoor cinema/theatre. The Bike follows the experience of the earlier project, the Fat Pig, now open and to be tried, in the city centre. This is fresh and airy and I reckon the canny design will keep it that way for some time. The specialisms are local ales with Exeter Brewery’s Avocet and O’Hanlon’s Yellowhammer ‘guests’ for 80% of the time. No bottled beers: no need. Regular assistant barman Ian served a fine pint of Avocet to promote good chat with David and Dominic, a long-standing Grecian and Rusty Bike enthusiast.
Food is important here and adds a dimension to a mere quaff in transit. Venison Casserole and a mussel dish were available. What I want to try is Ham and Eggs, the former braised in coca-cola. The clientele is mixed, unsurprisingly in view of the location, between city and university (and close to Exeter Prison). It is a prosperous area, providing much discerning patronage, which could include groups of ‘discerning’ travelling football fans looking for a different experience– a phone call to place an order would be welcomed.
BWV 4/12/09: always – St Austell Proper Job;
Guest – Exeter Avocet, O’Hanlon’s Yellowhammer
BWV 23.2.10 Exeter Avocet, Gargoyle Golden Ale, O'Hanlon's Yellowhammer, St Austell Proper Job, Hayman's Original Farmhouse Cider
BWV 21.8.10 O'Hanlons Firefly, Yellow Hammer, Sharp's Doom Bar, Rusty Pig cider
UPDATE The cinema is now open in the rear courtyard. The weekend of my visit saw a programme plannned of One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Shining. The food and cider comes from Hamish's own farm, the measts often cured at the Fat Pig. Good weekend visits, the second unfortunately found the chaps engaging in a session with "Who wants to be a Millionaire" questions. How sad are we all? | |  Well House Tavern
Address: 16-17 Cathedral Yard, Exeter EX1 1HO Tel: 01392 223611 Website: www.michaelcainesrestaurants.co.uk; www.abodehotels.co.uk
Licensee: Mark Dugdale
Food: traditional pub food – fine dining from Michael Caines hotel kitchen
Food times: 12-5.30 Mon to Sat (main menu to 2.30), 12-2.30 Sun (roast)
Parking: St Mary’s Arches car park.
Buses along the High Street.
Taxi: first Call 01392 661122
TV: no
Music: cds; folk emphasis session Sun nights
Pub games: no
Disabled: wheelchair ramp; disabled toilet in adjacent hotel
Open: 11-11 Mon to Thurs, 11-12 Fri and Sat, 12-10.30 Sun
The Well House traditional pub, formerly a seed shop, attracts the more mature drinker in the main and affordis an extensive view of the splendid C11 cathedral from wide windows. It is a must on a visit to Exeter. There is a regular following here, some of whom gather before home games. Away fans are welcome too. Mark, the Tavern Manager, transferred here in 2007 after spells at Fuller’s and Brakspear, Oxon and is independent in his choice of real ale of which there are always five. All are brewed in the South West. No need for wholesalers. The pub is part of the Michael Caines (Michelin chef) ABode boutique hotel empire. This one was previously the well-established Royal Clarence Hotel, a feature of historic Exeter, which lies adjacent, above and below the tavern. Benefits of the relationship are the ample cellar (it’s a popular pub, which shifts more than the average number of barrels) and the kitchen which serves the Well House with riveting dishes, such as the ‘Pint of Prawns’ and the ‘Not so traditional Fish and chunky Devon Chips’. The ‘Well House Platter’ sounded tempting. The pub itself comprises a single bar – smokers are provided with ashtrays in the wall while indulging outside, but cathedral regulations preclude drinking on the pavement. Never fear, as this is endurable given the comfort and appeal of the bar. You can use other recommended pubs for bar games and smoking tents. There are six beer festivals each year – consult the website for more information; also two cider festivals. A three month programme is posted on a board. This could be your first pub on a visit to ECFC, followed up by a pub closer to the ground.
BWV 3/1/09: Always: Sharp’s Doom Bar, O’Hanlon Yellowhammer.
Guests: O’Hanlon Port Stout and Firefly, Otter Ale
Always: Rich’s Farmhouse Cider
Mick Escott | | St James’ Centre
Address: St James’ Park, Exeter EX4 6PX Tel: 01392 411243
Licensee: Chris Fahy
Food: Bar: standard snacks; bottle bar: pasties, sausage rolls, pies, filled rolls 12-9 every day
Walking – ten minutes from city centre
Parking: Off-street. City centre multi-storey car parks within 10 mins walk
Rail: St James’ Park nearby
Taxi: Gemini 01392 666666
TV: Sky, Setanta, terrestrial: all tv football.
Music: tv music channel, not if football is on
Pub games: pool, darts, skittles
Disabled: full access; disabled toilet
Smoking: outside
Open: 5-12 daily. Matchdays: Tuesdays from 4.30pm, Saturdays from 12
At the ground itself, this comprises the Centre Spot (inside) and the 'Red Square' (outside), for any affiliation; bars in both. A friendly place, full of anticipation, it entertains a good mix of families, men, women with football insignia of any colour. Many are real ale drinkers, draught Tribute being served at the rather short long bar as you enter the Centre, on match days run by young, but as efficient as they can be, volunteers. This section, with pool table beyond the bar, leads to the left to the main space, complete with stage and large screen. At the other end is the bottle bar, normally manned by Neil and Steve, Grecian stalwarts, featuring St Austell ales, as well as small bottles of wine and alcopops, locally sourced pies etc (sandwiches made by the staff), and match programmes. They also offer pin badges, good cheer and advice (many years of Grecian experience). The bottle bar has grown from a table to the cosy corner it has now become. It works well, with the big advantage to thirsty punters of fast service. The building abuts the St James’ Park complex, aka Exeter City AFC. Just turn off St James’ Road near the away end beyond what looks like a school (it was). If you need to come up for air in the heady atmosphere, there is a comely canopy outside towards the turnstiles, offering, among other things, fish and chips, space and, yes, real ale. Nearby is the club shop, improved over the years like all these facilities. The Centre has a skittles league, a darts team and a pool table. It certainly has a life outside football, while on matchdays welcoming long distance travellers, some of whose coaches will have parked just up the road, alongside the many red and white regulars.
BWV 25/11/08: St Austell IPA, Tribute, Proper Job (bottled)
Mick Escott
BWV 3/10/09: Otter 'Grecian' = Bitter; Bottle Bar: St Austell Admiral's Ale (in a bottle of course) | | TRY ALSO
Jolly Porter
Address: St David’s Hill, Exeter, Devon EX4 4BB Tel: 01392 254848
Licensee: Brian Claridge
Food: Chinese food coming soon
Food times: 12-3, 5-11 Mon to Fri, 1-11 Sat, 1-10 Sun
Walking: 15 minutes from the ground
Parking: City centre multi-storey car parks within 10 mins walk
Rail: St David’s Station (main line) opposite
Taxi: Gemini 01392 666666 or from the station
TV: freeview
Music: jukebox – all eras, live bands Sat nights
Pub games: darts, pool, jungle
Smoking: out the front
Open: 12-12 Mon to Sat, 12-10.30 Sun
Our choice for a watering hole before or after the train journey, the Jolly Porter faces you beyond the car park as you leave the station. Formerly the Elmfield Hotel, there actually was a jolly rail employee at the bar during this visit, one of many who habitually patronize the Porter, he said. There is a wide ranging clientele as in other Exeter pubs here recommended, unsurprising given the diversity of activity in Devon’s county town, and here the proximity of a countrywide rail service. The variety of quaffers extends to those bound for Exeter Chiefs RFC. After all, the team is a growing force in English rugby circles. The pub was built in 1861 and is Grade II listed. It benefited from refurbishment in 2008. It has a long format, a single room deep, with stairs separating the two main areas, and boasts ample seating space in which to enjoy the big screen. It’s a bright place – with the wide windows comes daylight. The prices seemed reasonable. Next time! Wednesday is quiz night, for your information. There are five pumps, of which four were in use – the aim was to get the fifth one going for a guest beer. All in all this is an easy, friendly pub to drop into, with everything a travelling fan could ask for.
BWV 06/12/08:Caledonian Deuchars IPA,Greene King Abbot Ale, Fuller’s London Pride Sharp’s Doom Bar,
Mick Escott
Jolly Porter:
BWV 3/10/09 Fuller's London Pride, Otter Ale, Greene King Abbot Ale, Sharp's Doom Bar,
Claire and Laura have moved on
BWV 21.10.08 Caledonian Deuchars IPA,Greene King Abbot Ale, Sharp’s Doom Bar, Wells and Young Bombardier | | | EXETER CAMRA | | 
ST JAMES'S PARK
Victoria removed from page. When visiting last week 23.2.10 the pub had quite a few home fans who were spending their time on their phones arranging a "meet up". The atmosphere was nor comfortable as an away fan. The beer and food was good but it is not one that I would return to pre match.
| | 
LOCAL BREWERY
EXETER BREWERY
5 Lions Rest,
Station Rd,
Exminster,
EX6 8DZ
Tel 01392 823013
www.theexeterbrewery.co.uk
| | WETHERSPOONS
The Chevalier Inn 81-82 Fore Street Exeter EX4 3HR Opening Times Sun 10am-midnight; Mon-Wed 9-midnight; Thu 9am-1am; Fri/Sat 9am-2am
George's Meeting House 38 South Street Exeter EX1 1ED Opening Times: Mon-Sun 9am-11.30pm
The Imperial New North Road Exeter EX4 4AH Opening Times: Sun-Thu 9am-midnight; Fri/Sat 9am-1am
| |
|  |  |
