Riverside pubs rock
Pubs come with different strengths. Some are fabulous gastro pubs, others celebrate craft beers and ales. And then there are those like The Culm Valley Inn that are a reward for a wonderful walk.
Perched next to an historic bridge arching over the River Culm, it has plentiful outdoor benches to soak up the glorious Devonshire sunshine (when it’s out) and a very down to earth and friendly welcome.
The menu is chalked up on a blackboard with around six starters and mains to choose from and the relaxed staff are absolutely lovely.
From a bench on the bank, you can watch the river and people watch hikers, bikers and horse riders trotting across the bridge, while planning or relaxing after your riverside wander.
I was a lone diner and the friendly locals at the bar gave me an encouraging smile and cracked a few jokes as the bar staff poured me a pint of Korev and explained calves’ livers were off the menu that evening (phew!).
A hearty vegetarian lasagne with salad was most appealing on a warm summer’s evening and within a pretty short space of time a very generous plateful was brought outside with a modest smile.
My plate was a picture with vibrant salad leaves topped with flower petals and plenty of juicy chopped tomatoes which combined beautifully with my flavoursome lasagne.
A pesto dressing added a depth of flavour to the salad, while the tomato, chunky courgettes, onions and mushrooms were overflowing with freshness amongst the soft lasagne sheets. An oozing cheesy topping was gloriously indulgent and was perhaps only missing a slice or two of garlic bread. That said, I felt reasonably healthy with this veggie supreme and salad.
And so, pretty soon, it was time to walk off this marvellous meal in truly stunning style.
The meandering path, just across the road, follows the beautiful river and leads to the haunting remains of a disused railway track that once transported passengers, cream and milk from Tiverton Junction to Hemyock.
But it’s the crystal clear water and wildlife that are truly the stars of this show. With pretty pink flowers dotting the river bank in summer, you’re surrounded by the sound of buzzing bees, dazzling darting dragonflies and in my case, two graceful pure white little egrets soaring up into the sky every time I got too close.
It’s a glorious spot and a lovely pub that make you wish it was your local and well-trodden dog walk. In the words of Mr Schwarzenegger; I’ll be back!
For more information visit www.theculmvalley.co.uk
