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The Charm of Newton Abbot: 5 Must-Visit Pubs
I visit five pubs in Newton Abbot, each with its unique charm and offerings. The Railway Brewhouse, rich in railway memorabilia, offers cask ales in a relaxed setting. Ye Olde Cider Bar, located in an 18th-century farmhouse, is known for its cosy atmosphere and diverse cider selection. The Upside Bar Co combines a modern style with vintage décor, featuring craft beers and a friendly vibe. The Maltings Taphouse & Bottle Shop retains its industrial charm while hosting community events and offering a wide range of beers. Lastly, The Dartmouth Inn, steeped in maritime history, provides a traditional pub experience with a cosy atmosphere.
Newton Abbot, down in Devon, started off as two little settlements – Newton Abbot and Newton Bushel – which eventually joined together. It became a busy market town, known for things like wool, leather, and paper. Everything changed in the 1800s when the railway arrived, turning it into a major rail town with loads of jobs at the engine works. The racecourse opened in 1866, and it’s been part of the town’s identity ever since.
The Railway Brewhouse
Right next to the train station on Queen Street, the The Railway Brewhouse is a friendly, single‑bar decked out with railway memorabilia including old photos, models, gas‑lamp fittings, all nodding to the steam era. It started life as a typical Victorian pub and was once called the Railway Brewhouse when Platform 5 brewing operated there, though they moved to Torquay in 2021 under new ownership.
Inside you’ll find a relaxed, old-school vibe with plenty of charm. It’s got a classic wooden bar, comfy seating, and warm lighting that makes it feel cosy and welcoming. There’s a pool table and dartboard tucked away, and a great outdoor seating area at the front.
On the bar a selection of 4 cask ales alongside a keg selection. I went with “Tribute” from St Austell Brewery. A very easy drinking, well balanced pale ale.
Ye Olde Cider Bar
Ye Olde Cider Bar in Newton Abbot is a proper hidden gem. Tucked inside an old 18th-century farmhouse, it’s one of the last traditional cider houses left in the country. The place has loads of character—wooden benches, a barrel-fronted bar, and old farming photos on the walls. It’s simple, no-frills, and full of charm.
Inside the walls are lined with vintage photos and quirky signs, giving it a proper farmhouse feel. There’s a big open space up front, with tucked-away corners for quieter chats, and a games room out back with bar billiards. In colder months, the log fire makes it extra cosy. A great outdoor beer garden to one side. It’s simple, warm, and full of character—more like someone’s living room than a pub.
A great selection of ciders available behind the bar with a range of styles. A cider in here for me (I had to with it being a cider pub). “Hazy Dazy” from Hunt’s Cidery was my choice. A delicious sweet and cloudy cider.
The Upside Bar Co
The Upside Bar Co is a popular local hangout known for its relaxed vibe and stylish setting. It opened in the early 2020s and quickly became a go-to spot for people looking to unwind, catch up with friends, and enjoy a good night out. Set in a repurposed old building, it mixes modern design with a bit of vintage character.
Inside you’ll find a snug, single-room micropub bursting with character. Warm wooden tables and benches fill the space, centred around a tiled bar displaying regional brewery memorabilia and a working railway departure board—a nod to its station-adjacent location. The low ceilings, exposed brick walls, and soft lighting create a cosy, intimate feel.
On the bar 2 cask lines and a varied range of craft keg lines. Great chatting to Chris behind the bar in here. A sour beer was my choice in here. “Tarte Tatin” from Pastore Brewing and Blending, a delicious sour mix of pear and maple. Some fantastic flavours.
The Maltings Taphouse & Bottleshop
Next up is The Maltings Taphouse & Bottle Shop in Newton Abbot. This is set in the old Tuckers Maltings, which was making malt for over 100 years until it shut down in 2018. Part of the building was transformed into a taphouse in 2016, turning it into a relaxed spot for craft beer, music, art, and community events. It’s run by Chris Cutts and has become a favourite hangout with a great mix of local and global beers, live music, film nights, and board games. It blends a cool modern vibe with the charm of its brewing past, keeping the place buzzing with life and culture.
Inside you’ll find a laid-back, quirky vibe with plenty of character. The old industrial features from its malting days are still there – think exposed brick, big beams, and loads of charm. There’s a mix of comfy seating, long tables for groups, and cosy corners if you’re just chilling. You’ll often catch live music, film nights, or a board game session happening, and the walls are dotted with local art. It’s the kind of place that feels welcoming and relaxed. The beer garden upstairs is fantastic and is being changed into a community garden and offers views over the railway.
On the bar a wide variety of both cask and keg options to choose from and lots of different styles and strengths. It even features a beer from the Teignworthy Brewery next door. Teignworthy Brewery launched in 1994 inside Tucker’s Maltings in Newton Abbot. Family‑run by John Lawton, it uses a traditional 20‑barrel tower system and expanded with Dartmoor gin distillery in 2017.
Was fantastic to meet Chris, Kirsty and the rest of the staff this afternoon. “Skeleton Key” from Closet Brewing was my beer choice in here. A juicy, sour and tasty Pineapple and Passion Fruit sour beer.
The Dartmouth Inn
Last up in Newton Abbot was The Dartmouth Inn. This pub dates back to the late 1600s and was originally known as the “Great Dane.” In its early days, it was an important gathering place for local men preparing to work on fishing boats bound for Newfoundland each spring. The pub played a key role in the town’s fishing and maritime history, serving as a hub where stories were shared and crews were formed. Over the centuries, it has remained a popular spot in the community.
Inside you will find low ceilings and exposed timber beams, the space feels cosy and traditional. The main bar upstairs is L-shaped, creating a welcoming spot to relax and chat. Downstairs, there’s a snug tap room that offers a quieter atmosphere, perfect for a laid-back pint. The pub also features a pool area for some friendly competition and a small walled garden outside where you can enjoy fresh air.
Was great meeting and chatting with Chris today. On the bar a selection of 2 cask ales alongside keg options. “Jail Ale” from Dartmoor Brewery in here for me. A great full bodied Best Bitter, well rounded and full of flavour.
Micropub Adventures 