The Boringdon Arms, Turnchapel

Avoid at all costs! I visited this pub for the first (and last) time last weekend. We arrived to find that our table 'in the conservatory', was actually a cheap set of plastic garden furniture in an area that's basically no more than a lean-to with a corrugated plastic roof. Wouldn't have been so bad if said roof was sound but it actually leaked constantly.

The menu is basic, which is fine, and the food was no more than adequate. Averagely kept beer, (you will find better at the Blue Peter in Plymstock). We did encounter the landlord during our visit, who for some reason likes to grab people's shoulders whilst talking to them - he did it to my mother and my father-in-law, so if you don't like your personal space invaded then avoid the guy!

All in all it was a damp night, in surroundings that could do with a damn good clean, with forgettable food and beer.

My advice - if you're in Turnchapel go to the Clovelly Bay Inn just down the road - the Boringdon couldn't hold a candle to it (we only went to the Boringdon to try it because the Clovelly was fully booked - will never, ever go back!)

10 Dec 2009 16:49

The Cleave, Lustleigh

My husband and I called into this pub one January Sunday lunchtime without any prior knowledge of it. Although we didn't plan to eat, we're very glad we did!

As keen walkers, real ale fans and amateur cooks we often find ourselves trying new places, and unfortunately we're dissappointed more often then not. This was not the case at The Cleave. All food is locally sourced and the friendly team can tell you where everything comes from, so if you want to know the provenance of the food you're about to eat then you shouldn't have any problems. Generous portions of piping hot and well-cooked roast beef with all the trimmings, followed by an equally lovely dessert and accompanied by good Otter Ale - lovely!

The team here is new and as far as I know have no plans to turn The Cleave into a ghastly-gastro; this is very much a country pub in a beautiful setting that also happens to have a good food service.

We would certainly go back and intend to do just that within the next few weeks!

19 Jan 2009 17:54