Friday, 1 August 2008
Exeter Pub Guide, No. 2, City Gate Hotel
Where is this pub?
On the Iron Bridge (St Davids Hill) in Exeter. It may sound odd to say it is “on” the bridge, but it sort of is!
What would draw you to this pub?
The walled garden (sheltered from the wind), friendly staff, poker nights, traditional hotel pub atmosphere, reasonably priced rooms.
What sort of person would you find in this pub?
Older couples, hotel guests, the posher students and people relaxing after work.
What can you consume in this pub?
A range of Youngs beers (including Winter Warmer and Waggledance), Addlestones cider and all the usual lagers and spirits. Sprits and wines will set you back a fair amount.
What is quirky about this pub?
The walled garden is a real feature, with views of St Michaels Church (the vicar of this church can often be found in there) and the malthouse building (Now Ginos restaurant). A selection of Roman-esque statues and a fish pond with (manky) fountain. The new conservatory is a nice light place to sit, and strangely comforting on a rainy evening. The pub used to be a lot quirkier before major changes were made in the late 90's, but overall the changes have created a much better space.
What is specifically “Exeter” about the pub?
The views, some of the pictures on the walls have a local theme.
What is there to do in this pub?
The downstairs often holds private parties, and Monday night is poker night. The IT box gets a fair bit of use, and newspapers (albeit the Daily Mail and Telegraph) are always lying around.
What are the worst things about the pub?
Some of the drinks will set you back (£3.20 Pint Addlestones, pushing £4 for a glass of wine or spirits). The smell in the old part of the pub is a little musky. The staff are sometimes more involved in running the hotel part of the business rather than the bar part. The food is hit and miss and the chef is a tad on the vicious side.
Is there an old man sat at the bar?
Not at the bar, but at the round table in the conservatory. This pub has many locals, and the staff know them all by name (or at least by drink!)
In a word, should I bother coming here?
Certainly, it is near the town, but far enough away to feel you are off the beaten track. The staff will make you feel welcome and the ales are good.
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