The Volunteer Inn, Ottery St. Mary

A traditional town pub on the high street. There’s no real garden, just an elevated smoking terrace on the first floor, and it doesn’t have its own parking. The front bar is basic, a few tables and chairs and cask ales on stillage behind the bar counter. Although there were 8 casks, only 3 were tapped and spiled. These were St Austell Endeavour, Otter Bitter and Exeter Avocet, all three in excellent condition. Sandford Orchards real cider was also available. Also on were Devon Red, Estrella, Carlberg, Tarka Four, Rattler, San Miguel and Guinness. There was also a range of bottled ciders. The rear room was full of howling women, apparently a couple of hockey teams having some sort of party, so the experience was far from restful. The beer makes it worth the effort, though, and I’d be happy to come back, and I’d like to try the food next time as this looked like good value.

Official site of The Volunteer Inn - volunteerinnottery.co.uk

Official site of The Volunteer Inn - volunteerinnottery.co.uk