Sailing to a new place often includes the inevitable trip to a local pub for a cold drink and hearty meal. But when you’ve made it ashore, weak from hunger and ready for a well-deserved drink (alcoholic or otherwise), how do you know where to go?
Our favourite pubs have bags of charm, picturesque surroundings, cosy fires, charming features and, most importantly, can be accessed by boat. We’re aware the perfect pub can be hard to find, so here’s a few we’d recommend in Devon and Cornwall...
The Pandora Inn, Falmouth
The Pandora Inn features gorgeous flagstone floors, low-beamed ceilings and a thatched roof. However, you’ll be quick to swap these 13th Century features for a spot on the pontoon with views over the Restronguet Creek on a sunny day. Watch out for high tides as the pub's carpet often gets soggy on big springs!
Best for: Fresh local produce and an extensive wine list. And promise us you’ll try the fish pie!
The Millbrook Inn, South Pool, Salcombe
Traditional French cooking meets English ingredients at the South Pool village pub - The Millbrook Inn. Located away from the Salcombe crowds, this great pub has won countless awards for excellence and, what's more, it also allows dogs!
Best for: A constantly changing menu full of French delights, but if it’s available go for the bouillabaisse.
The Ferry Inn, Salcombe
Often regarded as one of the top 10 pubs in the UK beer gardens in views, The Ferry Inn dates back to 1739 and is a beautiful grade 2 listed building.
Offering delicious pub food, The Ferry Inn is extremely popular in the Summer with lunch and garden only available for walk-ins.
Ferry Boat Inn, Dittisham
Continue up the River Dart beyond Greenway House, the former holiday home of Agatha Christie, the River opens up to Galmpton Creek with the iconic pink building of the Ferry Boat Inn pub on your port hand side.
Real ales, a lengthy wine list, pub food and freshly prepared pizzas, a cosy atmosphere and stunning views. What more could you ask for!
The Maltsters Arms, Tuckenhay, Devon
The Maltsters Arms is a riverside pub on Bow Creek, a tributary of the River Dart. With picturesque surroundings, you can play traditional board games by the open fire in the winter, or sip a local ale outside in the summer.
Best for: Fish specials picked up daily from the local market. They also serve breakfast from 8.30am and even have fairly good showers for visitors who have arrived by boat!
The Ship Inn, Noss Mayo
Renovated using reclaimed materials, The Ship Inn in Noss Creek is appropriately nautical themed and spacious, yet cosy. Head down to try local beer and a great menu that changes daily. Fun fact - the pub was originally called The Globe Inn, then The Old Ship Inn before taking on it's current name!
Best for: Homemade food, very friendly staff and 'Gin of the week'! Make sure you take a stroll along the South West Coast Path while ashore!
The Ferry House Inn, Plymouth
Enjoy views of the Cornwall & the Tamar River (and the Tamar Bridge) whilst eating local food and drinking local ales at The Ferry House Inn. Plenty of outdoor space and 2 indoor fires.
Best for: Food themed nights! American Diner Night on Thursdays and Gourmet Burgers on Mondays. Also, check out their incredible range of whiskies!
A couple of other options closer to Plymouth Yacht Haven
- The Bridge at Mount Batten - located at Plymouth Yacht Haven, this marina bar & restaurant does great food, great drinks and great specials! Don't forget to check out their epic fish tank too. Short stay visitor berthing available at Plymouth Yacht Haven.
- The Mess Room at Yacht Haven Quay - if none of these take your fancy, then come back to Yacht Haven Quay to enjoy some home-cooked food and relax on the new roof terrace! Open 7 days a week from 8.30am, this unique, upcycled, eco-friendly cafe is the perfect place to unwind. Short stay berthing available at Yacht Haven Quay for Mess Room visitors.
Photo Credits: Thanks to all the pubs listed in this article for use of their images