The Barn Owl Who would have thought a late breakfast at Penn Inn Toby would morph into a two for one lunchtime carvery deal? But that was the challenge facing the Barn Owl Inn as first beer stop on our recent midweek Kingskerswell crawl. The Park Inn So, it’s full marks to the Badger range of beers as 20 members camped on the doorstep for a midday opening at this exceptional pub/restaurant. The full range of beers was on the bar to be enjoyed as we took in the 17-century history of this splendid building. Security at the Nelson Time was passing so the tour guide cracked the whip to move on to the next stop, The Park Inn. No excuse for getting lost this year as the on-road direction sign had been replaced, and very classy it is. Their garden remains one of the best in the county so we moved in as a couple of their 4-legged customers who were stretched out on comfy chairs made room for us. As usual there were 3 beers on the bar, Bass and Teignworthy Thirsty Blonde and Reel, and all on form. We could easily have stayed all afternoon, but The Sloop beckoned, so our guide rounded up the troops to blitz the Hungry Horse menu and sample on-form Greene King IPA and Abbot, before moving on by one of the frequent number 12 buses to The Hare and Hounds, where a busy lunchtime trade had left only one beer on the bar. A quick sampling of Doombar left time to slot in another stop. The Wighton boasted Pedigree, Hobgoblin and Wainwright Gold with pub leadership boasting of the wide range of beers available within the group that are likely to appear on the bar at some time in the future.
Another 10-minute bus wait took us to The Lord Nelson where we enjoyed Tribute and Salcombe Gold while lounging on easy chairs and settles fending off their new security dog, a mini yorkie who was overexcited at having so many likely volunteers to tickle her tummy!
The official end of the day saw those from the south catch the number 12 Torquay bound, while the rest headed for The Railway in Newton Abbot for trains home or prepare to face a mountain or two on the way home.
A great day and not one bad beer. Kingskerswell (and Edginswell) publicans did us proud!
Andrew Thomson

The Park Inn The Park Inn garden The Sloop The Hare & Hounds The Wighton The Lord Nelson