The Start Bay Inn, Torcross

Yes, this is a great pub for food, and in a superb location on Start Bay. Some of the best fish and chips I've ever had anywhere, and also some real delicacies like fried battered scallops (allegedly) caught by the pub's owner on daily diving expeditions.
The only downside? It's tremendously popular in the summer tourist season, and the scrabble to get a table outside on the beach front is fierce, so you either need to get there early or late - between 6.00pm and 8.00pm, it's a nightmare. But the food is worth the wait if you like fresh seafood.
The other problem I suffered from was a dozy barmaid who managed to not see me for all of 10 minutes in the packed bar, serving a succession of others (locals?) who visibly arrived at the bar after I did. Now normally, I never have a problem getting served, so this almost felt premeditated, and in the end I lost my temper and had a go at her. In fairness, she was very apologetic. Hmmm...
Dozy? Useless? Or simply serving faces she recognised first? Who knows. I went back there a few nights later and it was fine. But not getting served in your fair turn really stinks.
Still probably the best fish and chips in the West though. I'd recommend it, particularly out of the height of the tourist season.

10 Aug 2006 22:01