A WETHERSPOONS pint always goes down a treat – and even more so at this one venue that has a rooftop garden and sits right by the beach.
Back in 2015, The Admiral Collingwood in Ilfracombe, North Devon, scooped up the prize of best new pub at the National Pub Design Awards.
And since, the boozer has become an icon of Ilfracombe’s seafront after judges described it as “an uncompromisingly modern building where the glass dome offers urban presence, while the rest of the main elevation is understated yet sophisticated”, according to Harrison Ince Architects.
Inside, new artworks were commissioned for the pub at the time, and a steel sculpture of a wave breaking was installed.
On the roof of the pub, there is a beer garden which is open between March and October and boasts amazing views across the coast.
One recent visitor said: “The view of the sea is amazing; the roof terrace is lovely and the drinks are true spoons quality.
“We love Ilfraspoons!”
Another added: “The view and the amazing prices make the THE place to go”
According to Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the pub serves three changing beers which often include ales from Fat Belly, GT Ales, Exmoor, Cotleigh and Bays featuring regularly.
In the summer, this increases to four beers.
And then additionally, there are three regular beers on offer to punters.
Visitors also get to learn a bit of histroy about the purpose built pub when they visit, as the menu states: “Until its very recent closure, the Collingwood Hotel had welcomed visitors to north Devon’s Ilfracombe for over 130 years.
“The imposing five-storey building was named after Admiral, Lord Collingwood, Nelson’s second-in-command at Trafalgar (who fought just off the Spanish coast in 1805).
“Cuthbert Collingwood fired the first shot in the battle (one of British naval history’s most famous and crucial) and took over command of the British fleet after the fatal wounding of his friend Horatio Nelson.”
Just a short walk away from the pub is Wildersmouth Beach, which is sheltered and shingle.
Despite being central to Ilfracombe, the dog-friendly beach is often less crowded than other sandy beaches nearby.
Ilfracombe is also home to the Landmark Theatre, in Jubilee Gardens.
For art lovers, make sure to follow the coast around to Ilfracombe’s harbour where you will find Damien Hirst’s bonze sculpture called Verity – a half-skinned pregnant woman, who stands 20 metres tall.
The high street is also said to be a “thriving hub of independent shops”, according to Visit Ilfracombe.
There are many craft shops, gift shops and cafes to explore – and even a coffee-cum-craft shop.
Sweet tooths will also enjoy the Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium, which sells handcrafted chocolates and has a chocolate museum – which is free to visit.
And make sure to check out the department story Chas N Pedlar & Son, which has been running for over a century.
The seaside town has a lot of choice for accommodating too, with lots of holiday homes.
How can I save money at Wetherspoons?
FREE refills - Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day.
Check a map – Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other.
So if you’re planning a pint at a Spoons, it’s worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you’re settling in at the cheapest.
Choose your day – Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights.
For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual.
Pick-up vouchers – Students can often pick up voucher books in their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled.
Get appy – The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table – but you don’t need to be in the pub to use it.
Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play.
Check the date – Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry.
It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14.
As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival.
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