The Lighter Inn, Topsham, Devon
On the quay in Topsham with gorgeous views over the Exe estuary, The Lighter Inn has been a pub for well over 200 years, if not more. These days it’s very much a pub for the local community and visitors alike; families are welcome, dogs are welcome, in fact, anyone’s welcome provided they’re not going to cause any bother.
Inside it’s spacious and open though the historic character is still retained in the flagstone floors and hefty timbers; there’s a wood burner for the colder months, and outside, a terrace for the sunny days. If you’re browsing around Topsham on a warm day you’ll see people sat out there beneath the big yellow sunshades, happy chatting, enjoying a drink or tucking into their lunch.
Food is pub favourites with a very modern twist; if all you want is a snack have a homemade Scotch egg or Lamb Kofte, if you need your belly filling glance through the mains menu and you’ll find quite a choice - Crab & hake fishcake, Steak & Tanglefoot pie, and a range of burgers. Sundays is popular for the roast dinner, served with enormous Yorkshire puds.
What’s nice is to sit outside and watch the boats sailing by, and the swans, which sometimes nest beside the quay, to take a quieter moment. The thing is, you can’t really fault places like this because they are so genuine, not trying to be anything they aren’t, just doing what they do honestly and well.
Open: Mon-Sat 10.00am-11.00pm Sun 12.00-10.00pm
T: 01392 875439 All information correct at the time of writing