04/08/18 - Three Good Beer Guide Ticks in Plymouth

A day walking the misty moors, followed by an evening in England's Ocean City.

Unusually for a pub ticking expedition, I have non real ale drinkers in tow - my brother, Fast Pint Arm Bob and his mate John, a man who seemingly knows everyone in Plymouth.   Bob takes us to a Mediterranean theme bar called Air to get us in the mood - think outdoor drinking, palm trees and London Prices before I take over and try and inject a little culture into proceddings.

Minerva, 31 Looe Street, St Austell HSD

Might as well start with Plymouth's oldest pub.

From Right to Left - FPAB, John and our new friend for the evening, whom we shall call "Nan"

This is the best way to explore history - a living working museum built before the Spanish Armada set sail and if the rumours are to be believed, has a staircase manufactured from the mast of a captured Spanish Galleon.  Read up here and make sure you check your pint for the Kings Shilling, less you wake up in the Navy.   Take that Micro Pubs.

It's long, it's thin, the HSD was a welcome relief after an afternoon touring the continent through their expensive lagers.

The Fisherman's Arms, 31 Lambhay Street, Summerskills

John demonstrates his local knowledge and leads us to GBG 2 of the day.  Its a mazy walk through council flats that I would like to think I would have found with Google Maps.

Stuck in a sidestreet, surrounded by the worst of 1960s architecture, is the best of the night - a boozer that declares itself as "a country pub in the heart of the city".

Other Internet Based photos do not show this new colour scheme

The landlady was lovely and came out for an extended chat as we took advantage of the heatwave for some al fresco drinking.

The beer was unique to me - Something by a Plymouth Brewery called Summerskills.   I didn't want to look a fool in front of my new mates by checking into UnTapped (it would have confused Nan) and four days after a long day, I'm ashamed to say I cannot remember the exact brew.

But rest assured, it was lovely.

The Dolphin Hotel, The Barbican, Draught Bass

A hop, skip and a jump to another Plymothian Institution, the Dolphin Hotel.   Famous as being the artist's Beryl Cook's local.  Some of her artwork, that you will recognise if you google her, can be found inside.  If you don't want to google her, the outside vista is a fair representation of her style.

Darkness falls on the Dolphin Hotel

I didn't want to come all this way without a Dartmoor Jail Ale but on entry and seeing the wealth of gravity fed casks behind a huge bar, the bar-staff convinced me to have a draught Bass. 

As if I had never been to Burton.

Plenty more work to do in Plymouth with 8 more ticks available.