Barnstaple Favorites

Favorite thing: I'm not a big fan of the national chain of Wetherspoons pubs as pubs but they do have their uses - the freebie Wi-Fi is a major bonus and the breakfasts are generally excellent value for money.

One of the things I dislike about them as pubs is that they tend to be a bit souless and the staff usually come across as totally uninterested in either their jobs or their customers.

However the Watergate here on Barnstaple's Strand bucks the trend. As well as the internet access and the breakfast the staff are actually generally friendly and come across as actually being interested in their work. In fact i'm sitting in the Watergate as I write and there's a pleasant buzz and the barmaid knows my drink before I've even arrived at the bar.

Here's the website with location details and opening hours -

http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-water-gate

Favorite thing: On my last visit when I dropped in for an afternoon beer I noticed that Chambers now offers free WiFi and also has a couple of computers for general use - always useful!

More info on my restaurants tip section.

Fondest memory: Chambers is a cafe/bar overlooking the square. No proper beer though but reasonably-priced Guinness during the afternoon "happy hour". The happy hour becomes doubleplus happy when the sun's out as it coincides with the girls from the North Devon College finishing their day ;))

Favorite thing: The Barnstaple Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is situated on The Square in Barnstaple where The High Street meets the river and is an excellent information resource both for visitors and even those of us who live here. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful and can assist with just about any query that you have regarding not just the town itself but North Devon in general. Whether it is places to stay, places to visit, places to eat, local entertainment, transportation or even just where to go for a beer!! Yep, all the info is there.

There are loads of freebie maps and all the usual brochures and the staff are more than happy to assist should you require it. The centre is open 9.30 to 5pm Monday to Saturday all year.

The phone number is 01271 375000 and the website: Barnstaple TIC has loads of useful info and links.

The building also houses The Museum of North Devon (which I've yet to visit but will do so in the near future).

Favorite thing: Please meet my young son Daniel :-) One of his passions in life is flying and he hopes to eventually become a helicopter pilot. In the meantime he tries to get in as much practice as possible! A friend of ours owns a plane, as well as being a flying instructor, and takes Daniel up when possible.