The North Bridge Inn, Exeter

If you haven't been to the North Bridge Inn recently you're in for a pleasant surprise. That's with all due respect to the wonderful landlord Eddy Coates who entertained us so well for years with his all encompassing choice of music. Bit by bit amiable new owners have been transforming the dark interior with an eclectic mix of comfortable seating, clean bright decor and flowers on the tables. Some will mourn the loss of the pool table, but it's opened up the back of the pub allowing more people to sit, use the free Wifi, or wander into the pretty garden. There's a choice of local beers, Kronenberg, cider, a very decently priced glass of highly drinkable wine. You can even have a pot of tea served in elegant china (presumably coffee too). Soon there will be food to choose from a well considered menu. As for the music - that's coming along nicely with the recent introduction of Trad Jazz once a month and more treats to come. Not posh, not tatty, no riff-raff, a friendly, mixed - age atmosphere. When the inventive couple running the show have achieved all they set out to, I think this handy local will easily merit a higher rating.

27 Mar 2010 15:55