We hadn’t visited Kingsteignton as a CAMRA branch for a couple of years, so on a blustery but mainly dry day in August, a few of us assembled at Newton Abbot bus station and caught the No 7 to Kingsteignton, where we were met by other branch members who live there and would act as our local guides.
The first pub, The Kings Arms had no cask beer so we moved on up the hill to The Bell. Here we sampled Salcombe Gold which was in good condition and assembled the rest of the party. We were joined by members from Plymouth and Exeter and East Devon branches A decision was made to walk to The Passage House Inn and Hotel and we were advised of a off road route that led through the Hackney Marshes nature reserve , under the railway and the A380 to emerge at The Passage House and Inn situated on the estuary.
At the Inn, two beers were available, Namely Exeter Avocet and Otter Ale. The former was in less than good condition but the Otter Ale was well kept and served. We then moved on to the hotel where Salcombe Devon Amber was available. The manager kindly put on a new barrel for us and we enjoyed the results.
After this we decided to visit the few other pubs in Kingsteignton so walked up the road from The Passage House to catch the No2 to The Ten Tors. Here the St Austell Proper Job was in good condition as were the other St Austell beers available. Some of the party had gone to The Sandygate Inn first and arrived to announce that the beer wasn’t in the best of condition. However we visited and found the beer quite palatable.
Finally after a short walk we came to The Old Rydon which had Dartmoor Legend on handpump and this was also in good condition. Following this some of us departed to Newton Abbot and onwards to our respective homes, leaving the Kingsteignton members in The Old Rydon.
Overall the visit to Kingsteignton was a great success and a lot of fun to do on an otherwise average weather day in August. Once again we were joined by members of Exeter and East Devon and Plymouth CAMRA branches and hope they also enjoyed the day.

Lawrence Stringer 28/08/2024

At the Passage House Inn