Exeter & East Devon Branch

Topsham (T)ales

I popped into Route 2, the Globe's new cafe/bar and cycle hire venture. Remember it's not a pub, rather a cafe with a bar (which closes at eight); however the bar has one real ale, Sharp's Doom Bar and a range of bottled beers including Otter Bright. The atmosphere is pleasant and friendly and offers a good range of breakfasts and freshly cooked snacks. Also on offer are homemade ice creams of which I would recommend "Topsham mud" I have been trying the stuff by the river for years (okay not really!) and believe me this is much more preferable.

Fancy a pork pie? The Bridge Inn fairly recently have started to sell a very delicious local pork pie, called Chunk from Ottery; it is really meaty and one I would heartily recommend. The pie did present me with one serious problem though, what of the 7 excellent ales on offer should accompany the pie? Should I go for a golden ale or go dark? Well I chose a great bitter and went for a Branoc from Branscombe Vale which was in great condition and for me that was an absolutely perfect combination.

Greg Towning