Must-see nightlife in Devon

  • Dolphin

    Plymouth

    This gloriously unreconstructed Barbican boozer is all scuffed tables, padded bench seats and an authentic, no-nonsense atmosphere. Feeling peckish? Get a…

  • The Totnes Brewing Co

    South Devon

    There are scores of craft beers to choose from at this trendy town hang-out, from Trappist-style wheat brews to imperial stouts, all with witty names …

  • Fat Pig

    Exeter

    There are few better spots for a pint in town than this fine craft brewery, which makes its own ales and brews its own gin, vodka and more 'experimental'…

  • Pilchard

    South Devon

    What a spot to sip a pint and watch the waters rise. The atmospheric 14th-century Pilchard Inn (think beams and an open fire) sits on the shores of Burgh…

  • Annabel's

    Plymouth

    Saucy performances come to the Barbican at this late-night cabaret-nightclub. It's great fun: the DJ sets and lounge-bar vibe are spot on, and you never…

  • New Lion Brewery

    South Devon

    Craft beer with community spirit: this microbrewery is locally owned and run by Totnes residents, with profits helping to support the town's economy. The…

  • Beer Engine

    Exeter

    The decor in this former railway hotel is varnished floorboards, leather settles and exposed red brick, but the best bit is downstairs: the brewery's…

  • Anchor

    East Devon

    During Sidmouth's Folk Week festival in August, music overflows from the Anchor, with fiddlers, singers and accordion players creating a festival…

  • Ship Inn

    South Devon

    Rustic tables and beams help make the mellow Ship one of the most atmospheric pubs in town; its beers (including two local Otter Ales) are well kept, too…

  • Hairy Barista

    South Devon

    Aeropress, cold-brew, V60, flat white or just plain-old espresso, the aptly named hairy barista (aka Roe Yekutiel) will oblige – his little shop has…

  • Bay Horse

    South Devon

    This rough-and-ready, endearingly shabby old pub at the top of the High St has been slaking the town's collective thirst for donkey's years. Drinkers of…

  • Old Firehouse

    Exeter

    Step into the snug, candlelit interior of this Exeter institution and instantly feel at home. Dried hops hang from rafters above flagstone floors and…

  • Cherub Inn

    South Devon

    The cosy Cherub lays claim to being Dartmouth's oldest building, dating from around 1370. Original interior features include old ships' timber. Cask ales…

  • Bread & Roses

    Plymouth

    Plymouth's arty crowd loves this characterful combo of hip boozer, social-enterprise visionary and cultural hub. Amid its Edwardian-meets-modern decor you…

  • Dartmouth Arms

    South Devon

    As an antidote to Dartmouth's sailing chic, join the locals for an unpretentious pint in an ancient bar smothered in polished wood. Navigational lights…

  • Ferry Boat Inn

    South Devon

    Fondly known to locals as the FBI, this is a pub that revels in its unreconstructed air. Expect a friendly waterfront drinking den, serving four real ales…

  • George & Dragon

    North Devon

    Ilfracombe's oldest pub (c 1366) has flagstone floors, a beam-crossed ceiling, home-cooked crab on the menu and well-kept Exmoor ales. Food (mains from £9…

  • Anchor Inn

    East Devon

    Surely one of the best sea-view beer gardens in Devon. The Anchor's grassy terrace stretches to the very cliff edge, providing views of the wide bay and…

  • On the Waterfront

    Exeter

    In 1835 this was a warehouse, now its red-brick, barrel-vaulted ceilings stretch back from a thoroughly modern bar. The tables outside are a popular spot…

  • Minerva

    Plymouth

    Stone walls, wooden benches, parts of wooden sailing ships, real ales, live music and Thursday-night jam sessions make this 16th-century drinking den a…

  • Lighter

    East Devon

    The Lighter is one of those age-old inns where tankards hang from the rafters, the alcoves are snug and the water-view terrace is the place for a pint on…

  • Vaults

    Exeter

    At Exeter's main LGBT venue you'll find two bars, club nights, classy cocktails, funky lights, glittery features and crowds of people having a good time.

  • Vignoble

    Plymouth

    A bijou hang-out where you can sample taster-sized glasses of your chosen vintages. It's at the Royal William Yard, 2 miles west of the city centre.

  • Soho

    Torquay

    DJ sets, gloriously over-the-top decor, neon-lit bars, 80 cocktails and friendly staff keep the party crowd happy at this harbourside spot.

  • Ferry Inn

    South Devon

    If the sun is shining, this is an unbeatable location: the beer terrace clings to the waterfront, providing cracking harbour views.

  • Foundry

    Torquay

    Set in the historic Scala buildings, the Foundry sits in a cluster of clubs hosting top-flight DJs, acoustic acts and bands.

  • Timepiece

    Exeter

    A students' late-night favourite, with nights devoted to indie, electro, house and cheesy club classics.

  • Bo's Beach Cafe

    South Devon

    Caffeine-laden espressos, tempting cakes, a chilled vibe, water views and sandy feet. Perfect.

  • OMG

    Plymouth

    DJs at Plymouth's two-storey gay club keep the dance floor filled with crowd-pleasing tunes.

  • Hole in the Wall

    Torquay

    A heavily beamed Tardis-like boozer with a tiny terrace; an atmospheric spot for a pint.

  • Cosy Club

    Exeter

    The Exeter Cosy Club outpost occupies a former 1920s hospital X-ray department. The vibe is buzzy; the clientele is smart; and the decor is a mix of…

  • Old Timers

    Exeter

    Scuffed floorboards, crowded-in tables and walls smothered in an eyebrow-raising array of collectables set the scene at this atmospheric drinking den.

  • Swallow

    Plymouth

    The Swallow has been a friendly fixture of Plymouth's gay scene for 25 years. The vibe is relaxed, in keeping with its pool table and karaoke nights.

  • Maritime

    South Devon

    Eccentric old boozer decorated with thousands of key rings, stone jugs and chamber pots, presided over by a chatty parrot called Mr Tibbs.

  • CoCo

    Torquay

    Balearic beats, classy cocktails and a sea-view terrace.

  • Dome

    Plymouth

    Expect grandstand water views and a wide range of cocktails (from classic bellinis to espresso martinis) at the Dome. Plus a pianist tinkling the ivories…