A Night Out on the Tiles in South Devon
Famed for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking coastal walks and pastoral countryside, it’s often all too easy for South Devon’s vibrant night life to slip under the radar.
Our guests adore the local pubs and bars that add so much colour to their evenings out in South Devon: from smoky side streets to waterside terraces, here are just some of the hip and characterful venues that have been keeping you entertained ‘after dark’…
Cheeky Pub Nights & Sassy Bars Crawls…
On the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary sits The Crabshell Inn, a lively venue with lovely views of tranquil backwaters and wooded hills. Enjoy a quiet drink by the water or listen to some live acoustic guitar from the veranda, this popular inn continues to garner rave reviews and boasts a classy menu and some great local ales. The Crabshell also has an active Stand Up Paddle Boarding scene.
With its regular big band and open mic nights, The Creeksend Inn on Kingsbridge town square has music in its timbers. This cosy venue is a popular Saturday night destination for both locals and holidaymakers who gather around its ample square-sided bar. ‘The Creeks’ also has a tasty menu and restaurant area.
For those of you who enjoy partying into the early hours, Coast Bar & Nightclub is definitely the place to go for some big bass drops and glowstick waving. This bouncing Kingsbridge nightery is a popular haunt for late teens and twenty-somethings during the heady summer months and festive season when it often runs a return bus service from neighbouring Salcombe. ‘Coast’ has its own VIP lounge (available for bookings) and welcomes stag and hen parties.
With its sizzling menu and ritzy cocktail list, Salcombe’s Island Street Bar & Grill is a ‘good time’ establishment and a place to see and be seen. Whether you’re lining up the Porn Star Martinis and grooving to the latest live music or chilling on the hanging terrace by the water’s edge, this funky saloon with it’s laidback vibe is well worth checking out.
With its breathtaking estuary views and sophisticated al fresco design, the rooftop terrace at Salcombe Harbour Hotel is a snazzy meeting place with a flamboyant cocktail list and sumptuous menu, plus resistant DJs to help you groove and mingle under the stars.
Just off the Fore Street narrows, down the ferry boat steps, is one of the South Hams’ oldest and most famous waterside inns. The Ferry Inn is a charming and characterful alehouse with a spacious outdoor terrace, ideal for social gatherings and reunions. The views at ‘The Ferry’ are spectacular and the gentle ebb and flow of the estuary waters help preserve the serenity of this much-loved hidey-hole.
Standing handsomely on Dartmouth Quay, alongside the River Dart, is the iconic 17th century Royal Castle Hotel. Here, you’ll find The Harbour & Galleon Bars, popular meeting places for both locals and visitors who can enjoy either the character and charm of a traditional English pub, or a stylish, classic lounge bar. Expect a warm welcome, craft beers, cocktails, and a cosy log fire during the winter months, plus regular jazz afternoons and music nights helping to make this one of Dartmouth’s most celebrated venues.
Tucked away in Dartmouth’s ‘old town’ is the Bayards Cove Inn; a former Tudor mansion house opposite the historic lower ferry. Combining stylish décor with original period features, the inn is a café, bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy swanky menus, a range of Devon ales, a cosmopolitan wine list and also a Spanish twist with jugs of Sangria and authentic Tapas dishes on offer. Expect to hear regular live music on Sunday evenings.
With its ‘downtown’ feel and trendy, urban vibe, Bellini’s Bar will add a little sparkle to your night on the tiles. Ideal for pre or post-dinner drinks, this voguish venue has a great selection of draught and bottled beers, premium spirits, wines, and a ‘wicked’ cocktail menu. Expect friendly and nifty service, and be prepared for some banging grime and dirty house mixes from Bellini’s regular DJs.
It’s the oldest building in the historic maritime town of Dartmouth, dating all the way back to 1380. This former merchant’s house on Higher Street is known today as The Cherub Inn, where punters can dine and sup beneath its venerable ship’s timbers. ‘The Cherub’ can be hired for private parties and functions, offering a delectable a la carte menu and tailor-made cuisine. It’s well worth a pilgrimage!
Tucked away on St Peters Quay, on the banks of the wending River Dart, The Steam Packet is one of Totnes’ most handsome watering holes. This historic inn is only a short walk from Totnes town centre and has an ample selection of wines, beers and spirits to complement its tempting menu: from lighter bites to three course meals. Its relaxed and friendly atmosphere make The Steam Packet Inn a great venue for your gatherings, meetings and jollies.
If you’re a lover of craft ales, ciders and artisan spirits, then this one is definitely for you! Set on the historic corner of Castle Street, in the heart of Totnes, The Totnes Brewing Company has around eighty beers (!) at any one time and is staffed by a team of self-confessed ‘beer geeks’ who are only too happy to let you ‘try before you buy’. From here, you’ll be able to travel the world on your taste buds.
Rumour Wine Bar is a happening high street bar in Totnes offering local beverages and fresh, home-made, seasonal fare. This 14th century venue has previously played host to a toffee factory and jazz bar (although not at the same time!) and takes its current name from the 1976 Fleetwood Mac album, which perhaps accounts for its relaxed ‘Go Your Own Way’ vibe. A great place to catch up with friends while also discovering a long list of exceptional local suppliers. The small or big plate menu is a real winner, as are the gourmet pizzas and the Sunday steak nights!
Gourmet burgers and gin palace is the inviting combination at Blue 55. This swish bar and eatery has all the classic hallmarks of an authentic gin house, plus a handcrafted burger menu to satisfy the most discerning of palates. Blue 55’s prime, grass-fed Devonshire beef burgers are reckoned to be amongst the best in the region, but decide for yourself when you drop by on Station Road, Totnes.
Enjoy a night out in ‘sparkling’ South Devon when you book a Toad Hall Holiday Cottage.