The Devonshire Arms (Bar)

The Devonshire Arms

Better the Devon you know.

In the summer the Devonshire Arms is a handy place to know cos it’s the only pub in the neighbourhood with a beer garden. And what a cute outdoor area it boasts. A wrought iron fence surrounds the terrace where benches, a sofa and chairs provide seating (space for about 50). Whilst a raised wrought iron ledge and wooden tables provide a place to rest your pint.

Onto your pint, your glorious pint could be one of the unusual & upmarket beers on offer. You’ve got de Konnick, Hoegarden, Leffe and Fruli (the latter is a tangy strawberry beer aye, perhaps more of a girl’s drink) to choose from as well as the greater spotted varieties (Stella and Staropramen) all on tap.

Additionally, on a Saturday live music and a BBQ (both from 6-8) draw the masses so get there early unless you want to be on the wrong side of the wrought iron fence.

Ok, enough of the garden, it’s what’s on the inside that really counts, right? The mish mash furniture carries on inside with crushed velvet banquettes, white leather sofas, stylish upholstered footstools muddled with cool retro lampshades, chandeliers, fairy lights and (great) modern artwork. It’s been really well done and deserves the equally lovely crowd it attracts: a grown-up lot who don’t wear gold on their knuckles or silver spoons in their mouths. One older patron chatted to me for ages then later another bloke on the next table asked me how my salmon was (grilled salmon nicoise marinated in line and coriander salad £7.90). It was alright, no great shakes though, so I asked him how his grub was (chicken breast oozing Gruyere cheese and smoked ham £9.50) ‘fine’, he said ‘though it also came with this‘ then he pulled out a piece of plastic wrapping. Hmm.

Service is swift (impressive, considering not only the size of the small central bar but also the big crowd sizes), matey and incredibly apologetic when your poultry dish is found to have plastic in it. Alright, so it’s not great that it happened, but it would be a real shame for you to pass this venue by because of it. It’s a really joyous spot, try it yourself. It’ll be better the Devon you know....read more