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Bridge, Topsham

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user reviews of the Bridge, Topsham

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Quaint pub with separate rooms away from serving area (no bar as such) can get a bit too cosy when busy.
anonymous - 18 Jan 2018 18:07
A cracker but beware the traditional opening times,
KevW - 15 Nov 2016 13:53
Wonderful pub, split into several small rooms. A must if visiting Topsham.

Beer good quality. My favourite Devon pub.
PepeLePlume - 29 Apr 2015 14:34
For beer - quite simply one of the best.
Steve_Steed - 29 Apr 2015 02:37
Meant ten months of course.
davercox - 30 Jan 2015 10:52
No-one has commented for teh months so I thought I'd just say - the Bridge goes on, as unchanged as ever. Just note the very old-style opening hours.
davercox - 30 Jan 2015 10:51
My train down to Exmouth was delayed at Topsham, so I checked my Good Beer Guide and the Bridge sounded OK. After being underwhelmed with Exmouth I stopped off for a couple of pints at Topsham. I found the Bridge and it instantly made its way into my top 5 pubs.

It's a belter! A step back in time with the layout but bang up to date with what the customer likes. The multitude of rooms is delightful, the quality of beer was tip-top and the friendliness of the occupants was lovely. I was shown into the cellar when the chap serving realised I had an interest in beer and they still use brass beer taps!

There can't be many this good.
vicpark - 27 Mar 2014 22:59
I've been visiting Exeter for 20 years now and have always wanted to go here. Last week I finally got the chance and now rue the fact that I could have been going here for that whole time. What a great - and classic - pub! From the welcome from the lady behind the bar when I first walked in I loved it. The beers that I had we're all in top condition - including a 9% Imperial Stout. The food on offer is just what was needed on a very cold winters day and the root vegetable soup hit the spot nicely. I'm going to be back in Exeter again soon and will be visiting again.
littledrummerboy - 24 Feb 2013 10:53
We visited Exeter last February from the USA and this was one fine place! So glad we found it after wandering around trying to find it for some time. The barman was a very genial chap and we had a nice chat with locals in there for lunch. The food was great and we were given a tour of the place and its history. Wonderful place, nicely kept ales and great atmosphere. A pub I hope to revisit one day.
fr21555 - 30 Nov 2012 03:21
Sorry you were so unlucky montie49. I have been going to this pub regularly since 1974 and have only once ever had a pint that wasn't quite right.
davercox - 14 Mar 2012 09:12
An absolute must if visiting Topsham,not too far to walk from the train station,beautiful location,beautiful beer, 8/10
fat_beer_badger - 23 Feb 2012 13:45
We must have been terribly unlucky when we visited this pub. After so many good reviews we did not have a good time here.
The landlord was rude to us and my pint of ale was awful.
The pub is however an absolute gem and it is nice to sit outside by the river.
4/10
montie49 - 27 Oct 2011 23:27
Great pub next to the Exe. Found it a bit like a reverse tardis, much smaller inside that the outside suggests.Good choice of ales and could happily spent much longer here, but transport home beckoned.
Jules_B - 9 Oct 2011 17:51
Great heritage pub in a cracking location. Inside is like a shrine and the serving hatch was open to the beer garden were all beer casks were on view. Tapped from the cask and in tip top condition. I tried Downton Elderquad 4% very nice indeed. Staff helful and friendly. It was like a beer festival, but I was driving so only had one half. Recommended you visit when in the area.
Mothbag - 12 Sep 2011 10:47
Really intersting building, beer was in excellent condition
CaptainDave - 23 Aug 2011 12:06
This and the Tom Cobley at Spreyton are my two favourite pubs in Devon. Devon has some good pubs - but these two stand head and shoulders above the rest. Here at the Bridge, the beer is always in superb condition, and though the menu maybe limited, the portions are generous and everything is fresh. I particularly like the smoked chicken sandwiches. And as for the interior of the Bridge - it's like stepping back into the past. The old Malthouse at the back is full of mysterious relics from a bygone age, and sitting in the main bar is like being in a cottage living room. Pubs like this are so rare, it's no wonder it's the only pub to which the Queen has ever made an official visit. It's well worth following in her footsteps.
Pompeybelle - 11 Jun 2011 20:26
Lovely pub! We didn't explore the interior as there was a wedding on, but sat outside on the banks of the river Clyst and sampled the excellent ales. An amazing and unexpected bonus was that as we sat gazing wistfully over the river winding through the meadows as the evening light played on its surface, up popped an otter! I'm already planning a return visit to Topsham.
red - 19 Apr 2011 12:33
Thank god they operate 1914 opening hours, otherwise I would never leave. Beer, conversation and a fire, works for me.
hillsidepaul - 22 Feb 2011 19:10
absolutely fantastic, our Real Ale Questers Cycling club (both of us), get here whenever we can, no keg no smooth, no lager, and served in handles - what more could you ask - erm, except longer opening hours,please!!?
rioathmusV - 16 Feb 2011 17:59
The Bridge was featured in the first episode of the recent Oz and Hugh when they sat by the River Clyst.

It's been a while since I've been here and I desperately want to go back.
GrahamA - 15 Jan 2011 08:30
Unspoilt, original and incredibly friendly, The Bridge has been owned by the same family for generations. Offering excellent ales and local pasties, this is quite possibly the best pub in England.

If you are in the area do not fail to experience this amazing place.
keystone - 11 Jan 2011 14:24
Still a classic, multi roomed pub serving great beer. Order from the menu (it will be somewhere on the bar!) of the 5 or 6 beers on offer and they will be served by gravity straight from the cellar. Prices start from about �2.50 depending on strength. Basic bar snacks available (soups, pies etc). Friendly bar staff.

Watch the opening hours as they stick to the World War 1 imposed times ie 12 - 2 every day then 6 - 1030 weekdays (7 on Sunday).

Occasional music in the back bar.
cheshirecat - 24 Nov 2010 08:46
An absolute gem of a pub!!! Got there at 12 Sunday lunchtime just to see what it was like. 2 hours later had to prise ourselves away from the fire and the banter because of the 1914 opening times. Returned 5 hours later. Magic place!!! Beautifully kept beers. Branoc very nice as was Dark Ness. Word to the wise. If you're a lager drinker go somewhere else ;-)
igorbeathty - 26 Oct 2010 10:08
Wonderfully atmospheric ancient pub on the outskirts of Topsham village which dates back to the 16th century. There are two rooms - the 'snug', connected to the servery is low ceilinged, dark and cosy and has a fireplace which, sadly, is no longer open and a separate room to the left as you enter the pub. There is a further room behind the bar, known as the 'Inner Sanctum', which, as the previous reviewer has noted is open to the public 'by invitation'.
Nine ales were on offer on my visit, all served direct from the cellar. I sampled two from Branscombe Vale - Branoc, a pale, hoppy beer which was quite refreshing and Summa That, a light, golden beer which, to my surprise, I wasn't impressed with. I also tried Exeter Avocet which was okay and O'Hanlons Stormstay, a copper coloured, slightly sweetish beer and Vale Black Beauty, a porter, both of which I enjoyed.
This is a lovely unspoilt pub, only slightly marred by the traffic roaring past its doors. Don't get caught out by the daytime opening hours - 12 to 2 during the week!
holbornboy - 6 Oct 2010 00:07
On the very edge of Topsham village, on the banks of the River Clyst, is The Bridge Inn, a fabulously old fashioned, unspoilt, traditional inn that describes itself as a "Free House 16th Century". It is believed that stonemasons who were building Exeter Cathedral lodged here.

As we approach the pub, we realise that the building appears to have some parts older than others and that the original old part of the building has been added to. Inside, up a few steps, we find two small old fashioned rooms that are serviced through hatches from what appears to be a small private room, which is not part of the public area, but to which access is apparently granted "by invitation".

The first room has basic, fixed seating and, notably, an old framed sign stating that "this room is prohibited from all amusements on Sunday - W Gibbings, Proprietor". The second room, further down, and in the real heart of the building, is darker, has a fine fireplace and grandfather clock, together with a splendid tall curved settle that effectively forms one of the walls of the room.

Photos of when the Queen visited here in March 1998 are displayed - believed to be the first and only official visit so far by Her Majesty to a Public House. In the corridor, there's various newspaper articles in which the pub has featured as a truly unspoilt timeless classic. Needless to say, there's no electronic distractions. Indeed, various signs dotted round the pub tell us that mobiles are banned - a message which one would have hoped would not be necessary. The pub is listed in CAMRA's National Inventory of Heritage Pubs.

Despite still retaining an old "Whitbread Tankard Free House" sign outside, there was of course no sign of this former much maligned beer. Beer is served direct from the barrel from a barn like room at ground floor level and carried up a few steps to those customers drinking inside. Customers drinking outside can be served directly from a hatch like counter without having to go inside to be served.

Beers, served in jugs, included Branscombe Vale Branos and beers from Cotleigh and Teignworthy, amongst others. 6 beers were on in total. Pork pies and pasties are available at certain times. My pint of Branos was in good form and only � 2.60p, although a notice on the daily food / drinks menu tells us that "prices may vary depending on customers attitude". Unusually, beer can be bought in 1/3 pint measures.

The pub's opening hours, which are restricted, are referred to on the door as "the 1914 hours" and relate to the fact that the opening hours are restricted by the 1914 Defence of the Realm Act which restricted opening hours to ensure people made war ammunition instead of getting drunk.

The pub was advertising that, on 14 September 2010, Stage 4 ( Minehead - Teignmouth ) of the Cycle Tour of Britain would be passing the pub between 13.40 and 14.30 p m and, as a result, the pub would be staying open longer than normal. The pub has an outside drinking area on the banks of the River Clyst by the bridge over the river.

The pub is about 5 miles from Exeter and is easily accessible by either bus or train ( Exmouth branch line ). If you like unspoilt, old fashioned, characterful pubs, you should make the effort to get here.


JohnBonser - 23 Sep 2010 13:10
One of the best pubs in Devon
Wayfarer56 - 15 Aug 2010 18:53
Outstanding pint of Branoc served by the landlady who cheerfully asked us to return the mugs and leave them on the steps as she keeps c1914 licencing hours and was shutting up at 2pm. This is a pub that makes no concessions to the 21st century yet has lost none of the charm of yesteryear without being 'Disneyfied'. Food is not it's strong point, but it's a pub for God's sake!
paddymiguel - 14 Aug 2010 09:40
This is one of my favourite pubs. It is pointless listing the beers as they change frequently. The quality is always superb and direct from the barrels. The food is fairly basic (and a bit overpriced for what you get, in my opinion). Also note: in summer evenings the stream appears to generate large numbers of mosquitoes - the staff hand out repellent candles. Best to cover up. Please do not let this make you miss out on this superb place. I strongly recommend it. Easily accessed from Topsham and its train station. Also on a bus route.
pxk99 - 2 Aug 2010 13:58
The pub is a survival from another era and doesn't seem to have changed much since the mid 19th century. Some excellent pints and good (if tad expensive) sandwiches. The bar staff were very friendly and helpful. Note the restricted opening hours ie 12-2pm on Sunday lunchtimes. It is a place that everybody who likes a great pub should visit at least once in their lifetime.
simontheeditor - 9 May 2010 23:17
Otter Head, Branscombe Branoc & Summa That, Palmers Copper Ale, Yeovil Summerset, Adnams Broadside, Cottleigh Honey Buzzard (went), all served from stillage in �cellar� beyond the small lounge which forms the servery & is a private area, albeit not obviously so, & one should not enter unless, as we were jovially told, �you want to do the washing up�. The next room on the right is the small bar/snug area with a hatch to the servery, and where you will find a list of the available beers (also listed in corridor & lounge), this snug has old flintlock rifles & swords hanging above an old fireplace with wood burning stove, pewter tankards haning at servery, assorted seating for ~15, little standing room, which would make queuing for the bar rather awkward. When I borrowed a pen to make some notes here, the landlady suddenly asked me to stop writing & brought over a clipboard, explaining that the table was 300yrs old, & even indentations of praise would be rather ruinous. The corridor (where one can also be a little awkwardly served) has a plaque mentioned the Queen�s visit in �98. The room to the left of the corridor has an unchanged d�cor & something of the atmosphere of yer gran�s lounge, albeit with seating for ~20, an old clock (hopefully with an audible tick when quieter), selection of books, a great photo of the pub, a notice by the then proprietor WJ Cibbings, stating �This room is prohibited from all amusments (sic) on Sunday�, and a small notice re mobiles � �The Bridge is a place of conversation between people, not machines�, some picnic sets outside and, although it was too dark to see the water, I can see this is a good riverside location & note Paulaner�s mention of a serving hatch direct to garden, which must relieve a great deal of congestion on a fine day.
On arrival, a local had been recommending Otter Head (at 5.8%) but an hour later staggered off advising us not to touch the stuff � I wonder if that�s what HerMaj. went for? �One will try a pint of your finest Otter Head��
trainman - 15 Oct 2009 10:54
Had the pleasure of vivisting on a sunny Sunday lunchtime, sitting outside by the river. A genuine old unspoilt pub, great range of ales straight from the cask and very tasty food. Not to be missed.
ed.spbw - 19 Sep 2009 15:52
Large detached corner pub, half pink rendered, half pink painted brick, with large car park and beer garden, situated by the river and bridge (amazing that) heading into Topsham from Clyst St George.

The interior is a nesting of little rooms, one of which was full of morris dancers, that jingled to look at the new entrant. There is a small bar room, with hatch, which you can walk behind and find yourself in another small sitting area - where were the handpulls i quizzed myself?. I got lost. There is lots of old memorabilia, muskets and such like, as they play on the history of the building - fair play to them. The service was ok, the place was bursting with a mixed clientele - i went to the beer garden where the wife and kids were - i made it out!

Beer, well amazingly i cant tell you. There were several real ales, but i had to find a list with them on - i had a decent Ohanlons stout. Its bad enough writing down whats on the handpulls - but copying off a list is too much!

Great place, really enjoyed it, however, the Exeter Inn in the town is a slightly better place for an all round experience as far as i am concerned.
Archivist - 7 Sep 2009 19:18
Fantastic.... Food...Basic well priced ploughmans, pork pies, pasties and that is about that, home made pies, homemade bread, homemade chutney, home cured ham... Not a chip in sight...
Beer.... Fantastic... a fine selection of ale and cider... Thank God pubs like this still exist..
Top Marks..
Ziggles - 31 Aug 2009 12:20
Popped in whilst in the area a couple of weeks ago. Nice selection of ales and an older crowd in. When I entered the place, I wasn't sure where to go to find the bar. I had seen the 'lounge room' from the road as I walked past, so I knew not to go that way. I then almost walked into the private staff area before I realised what that room was.

I eventually found the bar (well more like the indoor serving hatch) and got a pint. Took it outside (nice outdoor seating by the river) and enjoyed it. For my second pint, I'd found the outdoor serving hatch so easier to get served. Both beers were good.

Good pub, can't really fault it. However it is the only pub I've ever been in where it's not obvious where to go to get served and unfortunately that's quite important in a pub! Will be docking a point for that.
Paulaner - 19 Aug 2009 22:24
Only pub to have official visit from the Queen,could not have made a better choice.I visited on a beautiful day in May.Several ales and ciders available,all on gravity.I tried a really strong Spingo ale from Blue Anchor brewpub in Helston.It was black and seriously good.No problem walking back up the hill after this brew.

oldandmild - 15 Jun 2009 06:18

Great pub. Cosy bar with a real fire for the winter and a beer garden with great views over the river and a serving hatch in the side of the pub for the summer. Good range of local ales and cider on offer. Staff were friendly and the weather was spot on for an ale or two in the beer garden. Well worth a visit.
Rod_Hariga - 21 Apr 2009 23:43
Just a great little pub .Perfect location to. Top marks !!
shed16 - 16 Apr 2009 06:09
Visited last week, what a top pub, never changing, atmospheric and un spoilt, long may it continue that way. Great selection of local beers from the barrel, still rate the real traditional outside gents bogs, no frills here, not an air freshener to be seen. Its my favourite UK pub without a doubt.
Hodge1 - 12 Apr 2009 14:51
Excellent as olde worlde pubs go. Visited at 1340 so only had a pint of a stout from the Art Brew brewery which was very good,and a half of a bitter from Hanlons (I think) but the 1914 opening hours precluded any more drink. The staff were pleasant in spite of us being the last out,a bloke and a (BR29973 type!) lass. Yeah good overall but probably just not my kind of pub. Met a rather ranting individual on my visit.......
an_ecunemical_matter - 10 Apr 2009 21:51
SUPERB
Dr_Pangloss - 17 Jan 2009 23:03
Well I finally went to the Bridge when it was open and it was worth the wait; what a fantastic old fashioned traditional ale house. One of the best pubs I have ever visited.

Six or seven real ales were on the menu here; i tried the specially brewed 111 ale on draft and took a bottle home for later. 111 refers to the 111th anniversary of the same family running the establishment (brewed by Branoc and bottled by O'Hanlons. the Landlord informed me that they are considering doing another anniversary brew for 120 years.

After buying our drinks and being shown into a small snug opposite the bar (hatch), the landlord walked in to enquire who in the room had never visited the pub before. Those of us who raised our hands were then treated to a guided tour with explanantions on how the building had evolved over the years (the original inn dates back to 1512).

Will definately return.
Paris_Hilton - 10 Dec 2008 16:48
Right, this is my new favourite pub. Just pipped the Square and Compass.
man_versus_horse - 30 Oct 2008 18:30
Not been in for a whole year but timed it right on a jaunt back from Cornwall to hit the car park at exactly 12:00. Oh bliss! The Bridge is a haven in a world that is ever changing with so many once great pubs going either downhill or worse still bust. Apart from a couple of licks of paint and a visit by Her Maj a few years back nothing changes here at all in the 20+ years that I have been visiting, in fact some of the conversations you can get involved in when seated inside the tiny bar are worth admission alone, never mind the fine ale & great dinnertime food. Yesterday's treat involved Nigel (The landlady's husband) being asked if he knew some old RAF boy who had just fitted an aero "Jet Engine" to his ageing Japanese saloon car .... Only at the Bridge! I could hardly drink my beer due to tears streaming down my face, the old boy telling the tale was a card and then some. Quality pub = Quality punters, fact!

Oh the beer, that was as good as ever of course. Yellowhammer went down a treat and just wished I could have tried the special 111 year anniversary ale that Branoc had specially brewed for the pub celebrating just that - 111 years in the same family. So to sum the Bridge up? Marvellous, just flippin' marvellous - and long may it NEVER change.
MisterX - 25 Oct 2008 18:34
Yes, yes, yes! Undoubtedly one of the best pubs in the country. Was a little busy on Saturday lunchtime so we were allowed into the malthouse room out the back. As well as the interesting contents, the stillness in the room is amazing and seemingly not spoiled by us 4 noisy chaps. Real fire is welcome on cold days.

The only new feature (to me) is that you can buy beer in third pints now. When I ordered 12 thirds of a variety of beers the staff were only too happy to indulge me - in how many other pubs would that be the case. It's a great way to try out the pub's entire range in a lunchtime.

Paris_Hilton will remain disappointed that Caroline says she'll never change to being open in the afternoons. I asked her (Caroline that is) as it would make my infrequent visits to the area more fruitful if she did.
GrahamA - 7 Oct 2008 15:03
I'd love to review this pub but when I dropped by at 3pm on a sunny Tuesday afternoon in August, it was closed. Shame, as I've heard may good things about it.
Paris_Hilton - 22 Aug 2008 12:37
still the best pub in this land and generously offering pumpclips for a small donation to charity which as im collecting pump clips is useful! try it you will not be disapointed
guestale - 7 Jul 2008 19:59
A unique experience in this pub, and a good one. Bar staff very friendly and informative and 6 real ales in excellent condition. It is a bit pricey, but certainly well worth the visit.
start - 6 Jun 2008 19:39
Certainly the best pub in Topsham by a mile; everything about it is just fine, except perhaps the opening hours, but if you want tradition, I guess you have to have the whole thing including traditional hours.
chopin - 25 Apr 2008 20:54
Excellent unchanged traditional pub. Great selection of beers and very well kept, at least the ones we tried. Fantastic snug, small room with an open fire at the end of the corridor screened off from the corridor with a woodon screen. Strange experience of pirates heads popping round the corner when getting served in the corridor. Turns out there was a party going on somewhere else in the pub.
Wirral_RealAlians - 24 Apr 2008 00:32
Absolutely as good as it gets. A pub by which all others should be judged.
pipsby - 22 Apr 2008 14:14
Casa Carolina. A unique pub run by the same friendly family for generations. A special place to drink beer in the lovely old building or the garden overlooking the River Clyst. My son enjoys the crisps as well!

The back room is a wonderful venue for a party.
ShandyChica - 14 Apr 2008 16:13
worth the bus trip just to visit this splendid unspoilt pub..feels like your in some old dears living room..no bar..all dipensed from the kitchen last time i went and nice pickled eggs
graybagsinburyonceagain - 13 Apr 2008 19:51
Best pub in the world. What can I add about the beer?
Wonderful selection, properly kept and lovingly served. I remember Norman (Present landlady�s Dad, now sadly passed on), refusing to sell me a pint because it was �not quite right� He condemmed a whole new barrel and provided a replacement pint for free.

Mobile phone free. HMQ approved. However you can sometimes find a lager for sale. This will of course be real lager (It does exist). It will be of excellent quality as well.

Even had my wedding reception in the back room!!!!
captaineric - 6 Apr 2008 22:20
A great traditional pub, which unfortunately keeps traditional hours, so check it out before going there for a beer.
Mind you it's worth it. GREAT
chopin - 9 Mar 2008 19:20
This is the ultimate unspoilt pub. Always good conversation, the locals even talk to you, even if you are a grubby exeter student!. Thankfully no lagers are served, just a real beer menu with tasting notes. The beer is always perfect never too warm, a danger all to present these days!. Styles rarely seen these days such as stouts porters and milds are often availible and served all served with good cheers from a well informed family based staff, always happy to help you with your beer choice. Attracts customers of all walks of life which creates a good talkative atmosphere just like all pubs should have.

guestale - 5 Mar 2008 01:03
6-10 real ales straight from the barrel - you can't argue with that - a pub that strives not to change anything.

Cosy infront of the fire in the winter or sitting in the sunshine watching the river in the summer. Fantastic. I've never found another pub to compare with it.
hpearson - 29 Jan 2008 16:01
I couldn't believe what a lovely pub we were visiting while at an event at West Point Showground. So many lovely beers on offer from casks and drinking at a table overlooking the river. We did go in to see the rooms in the pub and were delighted with the lovely rooms. Would love to have this one as my local. Brilliant beers served by friendly staff in a charming pub in a super location. Heaven. We really enjoyed the soup and crusty bread too.
gillhalfpint - 3 Sep 2007 23:13
I just hope that this great pubs entry into the top 40 does bring hoardes of chavs and grockles to its door
anonymous - 27 Aug 2007 20:06
Still excellent - and long may it continue to be so.
GrahamA - 10 Jul 2007 15:58
This pub is what all pubs should strive for. Well run, great ales and no cheap nasty lager or alco-pops. Perfection
exeterchap - 18 May 2007 10:55
Everything about this fantastic pub has been previously said in earlier comments. The range and quality of the beer was impressive and strangers talk to each other ( a strange experience if you are used to drinking in South London). Well worth a detour if you are travelling through the West Country and you can stock up with great food at Darts Farm just up the road
becked - 5 Nov 2006 07:24
No lager? {snigger} - Nigel & Caroline would laugh at that one I'm sure.

If the only downside is no lager then that is a pub indeed. Draught Brit brewed lager masquerading as an Aussie/French/German brew is not something you will have *ever* found at the Bridge and praise be for that! :-)
MisterX - 15 Oct 2006 12:33
No lager on tap when I went in there last year.
scotte84 - 6 Oct 2006 14:37
Definitely one of the finest pubs in Devon. Great beer, great atmosphere, and good garden. Proper 'No Frills' pub which lets its good range of beer do the talking.

jonboyex - 25 Sep 2006 13:15
I meant beside the CLYST of course...
zjp - 23 Sep 2006 09:39
I don't think I have ever visited a more "perfect" pub.

Real ale served by gravity from the cask in a timeless setting by the Exe...

This is one I'll return to again and again.
zjp - 23 Sep 2006 09:37
The Bridge became one of my top ten perfect pubs after my first visit 30 years ago - thanks James Pettit! It's a series of small rooms and the beer selection is served from the cask in one of them, much as it always has been. No passing fads and fashions here,just solid quality. I believe it's the only pub in the land that's been visited by the Queen.
Alph_river - 28 Aug 2006 23:34
A great pub and well worth a visit. It could do with livening up a bit though, pool table, juke box and big screen t.v. for the football.
Don't worry, only kidding. Keep it just like it is for ever please.
TA010929 - 17 Aug 2006 21:56
First visit for ages and pleased to find that it is still excellent. Friendly staff - excellent beer.

The pub garden is small and nicely situated by the Clyst river. But beware if visiting with young children - the garden is right by a steep bank into the river and a busy road with drivers who think they're on the Topsham Grand Prix.

The opening times are frustrating for those who favour an afternoon drink... I believe it's open 12 - 2 at lunchtime and 6 - 10:30 in the evening but it's worth giving them a call to check - I always do.
GrahamA - 17 Jun 2006 22:12
Can anyone tell me the opening hours for this great looking pub.
captainpeacock - 17 Jun 2006 18:08
The best pub in England! I have been visiting The Bridge for over 20 years now and apart from the odd lick of paint and an official vist from Her Majesty it has not changed one bit and long may it stay that way too! No mobile phones, no nasty draught lagers and only well prepared fresh local food and the finest of gravity served ales.

Trust me - it does NOT get any better than this anywhere! If you don't love The Bridge after visiting then you haven't got a pulse.
MisterX - 24 Apr 2006 18:41
Absolutely top drawer pub. A must if you are in the area.
pubinspector - 3 Apr 2006 13:30
a pub which has never changed one bit, very proud of its heritage aswell. Ale selection is second to none and the lunches are delicious. Best pub in Devon for me.
jonrodge - 12 Jul 2005 01:19
Lovely pub as recommended by so many people but the beer was definately not up to scratch. We had a selection of 5 of their ales and each tasted well past it's best before date. Certainly a unique pub and will visit again in the summer when it's busier to try again.
anonymous - 5 Jun 2005 14:58
I have been in love with this pub for over 15 years when I first discovered it as a student! Each visit since then has been just as good as the first. At the bottom of the hill out of Topsham, you can't miss it because it's pink! Several separate rooms which are truly snug in winter. No bar, just a serving hatch in the corridor. Unchanged inside for probably a century or more. Good ales and ciders. Has been in the same family for generations. Discovered on my last visit that the landlord is a teetotaller!!! A fabulous place for a quiet and good beer.
Get_me_some_Old_Tom - 22 Apr 2005 13:49
Visited again last weekend and this pub is as good as ever if you like friendly people and quality real ale. For me the pub has improved in that one of the rooms is now non-smoking.

If you're visiting this pub please be aware of the old-wave opening hours - ie it's not open all afternoon.
GrahamA - 10 Mar 2005 10:55
excellent beers and charming views make an excellent summers afternoon.
cosy fire sides and total absence of city types make wonderful winter retreat
michelle - 31 Aug 2004 23:19
Returned again for a couple of visits last weekend and it's still as good as ever. The beers are excellent and there was some good food available on the Sunday lunchtime. The Malt House bar was open too and that is really special with the comfy chairs and peaceful atmosphere.
Graham - 25 Mar 2004 14:00
Popped in for a quick lunch and beer - definitely worth a visit if you like good beer and good food. Will return for longer stay next time.
Graham - 29 Sep 2003 09:23
I *like* this pub - the real ales are excellent, with a different choice every visit, and the food is very good also (especially Burt's crisps). It's odd getting served through a doorway, rather than over a bar, but this just adds to the charm. The inside seems to have been unchanged for years, and some of it seems a bit grubby in a smokey, worn-out way, as opposed to a dirty, neglected grubbiness. The roaring open fire in the tiny back room is great for roasting your face on in the winter, while the benches outside by the river are perfect in the summer. And to top it off, the staff couldn't be any friendlier. My only complaint is that the beer is a bit pricey, but I suppose you get what you pay for.
Mark - 26 Sep 2003 23:29
Have been visiting this pub every summer for years. Very old fashoined with experienced, welcoming family. Lovely riverside location and the river makes for a tranquil scene. The beer is excellent. The food is more original than many places and the landlady seeks out more interesting food such as the pickles that accompany the home made pasty. Old malt house at the back is rarely opened these days, certainly in the summer, but if enough customers turn up it is a relaxing, old world atmosphere.
Alyson Jones - 2 Sep 2003 11:50
A Bright Pink Pub on the river at Topsham. The only pub that was deliberately visited by QE2 (not the ship). Excellent Beers and 1 Cider all gravity dispensed from the cellar. Food - Crisps. Only 1/2 hour out of Exeter by bus or train. Old fashioned hours i.e. lunchtime & evening sessions. Closes at 22:30, so you don't miss the bus back.

Very welcoming it has been in the same family for 106 years and continuing.
Tim - 29 Jul 2003 18:16

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