South Devon Inn

The South Devon Inn is an old Dawlish pub, dating from around 1750, sitting at the top of Strand Hill and visible from the main road as you come in from Exeter. It's about 300 metres from the beach and the railway station, so it picks up passing trade as well as regulars, and the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious rather than done up for tourists. Pool and darts are both played, and there's a function room available to hire for parties and gatherings.

On the bar, two changing cask ales are usually on, typically from Devon and regional brewers such as Hanlons, Timothy Taylor or Bays, alongside the usual lagers and spirits. Friday nights bring live bands covering a mix of genres, which is when the pub gets busiest. It's the sort of straightforward community local that's been part of Dawlish for centuries - a place for a pint, a game of pool and a look at the football rather than a food-led destination.