The Hole in the Wall, Torquay

Torquay's Oldest Pub

The Hole in the Wall

Pubs
in/near Torquay, Devon,
England South West

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Review added: 18/07/2007 15:49
By: iwanna (£0.00 earned from reviews) Earn £££'s

"During our recent stay in Devon, my partner and I decided to enjoy an overnight stay in Torquay. Despite my usual indecisiveness, I made my mind up that I wanted steak for my dinner and we set about searching for somewhere to enjoy a meal and a few drinks. Whilst we contemplated the very cheap prices on offer at what looked like a glorified greasy spoon, I spotted a sign directed us up a side street not far from the seafront to an inn.

We decided to visit the inn, have a drink and plan the rest of the evening. As we turned the corner, we saw a lovely quaint pub that boasted being Torquay's oldest pub. The building is said to date from the 1540s and inside it was full of character and charm from the cobbled stone floors to the low wooden beams. The pub is rather like a tardis inside as not only was there a bar and generous seating area but a rather large restaurant area.

The menu was a la carte and there was a good selection of food available at quite reasonable prices. The main courses cost £12 - £15 and were of a generous size. I ordered a sirloin steak and it was cooked to perfection. The other half had chicken which looked amazing and he seemed suitably impressed. Both meals were served with a selection of vegetables and potatoes and the generous portions left us with no room for desserts!

The ambiance was pleasant. The restaurant was very busy but it was still relaxing and the staff didn't rush us through our meal. The prices were reasonable and the food outstanding. After eating, we sat outside in a cosy passageway and joined the locals for a cigarette and a drink. All seemed friendly and jovial and it was a great way to finish off a lovely evening."

Comments

Visiting Torquay for the first time in many years to see a football match with a friend and our two 14 year old sons, we decided to go out for a drink and a bite to eat. The first thing you notice as you walk up little Park Lane is the two pubs at the top. One is the Hole in The Wall and the other is The Devon Arms. The Hole in The Wall is a big olde worlde looking pub with a pretty exterior, but the first thing you notice is a sign declaring "No stag and hen parties"... fair enough we thought before we saw the "No football fans or shirts"... erm ok!

We went in the door and walked up to the bar and before we had time to op[en our mouths, the guy behind the bar declared "sorry no children allowed in the bar, unless you're eating!" in a very rude tone.

Now my back was up at this point and we decided NOT to eat there after all. We ordered drinks and had to sit outside under the smokers canopy to drink on a fairly chilly night.

Now, I don't care how good the food is, if all you faced with rudeness and bad attitude, you can stuff it.

David,

Once again our visit to Torquay was made perfect by our visit to the Hole in the Wall, food excellent, beer and wines well kept, and the Music as always great.

Our thanks to Drew, sorry we were not there to listen to Colin Reece, never mind, next time. Best wishes to all the staff especially Derek and thanks for his excellent service.

See you all soon,
Regards

Tony and Joan