Memories of city pub scene fondly revived as time finally called
That's because he was a regular at the pub in Paris Street, Exeter, which recently closed following the death of its long-standing landlady Bette Robertson. Mr Meredith of Landhayes Road, said: "I will never forget poor Bette's kindness to us. Christmas Eves and Old Year nights will never again be the same for our family now that Bette has passed away and the good old Honiton Inn has finally closed its doors.
"I have memories of lots of Exeter pubs, which we used to frequent in the 60s, before the rebuilding of the city started in 1965.
"In St David's there was The Cattle Market Inn, Bonhay Road; The Shakespeare Inn, Bonhay Road; The Princess Alexandria, Bonhay Road and The Paper Makers, Exe Street.
"In Cowick Street we would go to The Old Sawyers Inn; The Turks Head, corner of Buller Road; The Moreton Inn. Then In Alphington Street you had The Royal Oak, Shooting Marsh Style; The Plymouth Inn and The Bullers Arms.
"In the city centre, you've got The Barnstaple Inn, on Iron Bridge; The North Devon Inn, Paul Street; The Elephant Inn, North Street; The Long Bar and Barracuda, North Street; The Teignmouth Inn, now inner by-pass; The Valiant Solder, Magdalen Street; The Volunteer, Holloway Street; The Acorn, Magdalen Street; The Mitre, Bart Street; The Hotel Shades, and the White Hart, South Street."
Most of the above had thriving euchre teams, darts teams and skittles teams. Mr Meredith said: "Lots of other old pubs have fallen victim to the economic slump, notably The Red Cow, The Eagle Tavern and The Thatched Inn, Exwick."
If you have happy memories of old Exeter pubs — perhaps long gone — contact Mike Byrne on 01392 442238 or write to the Echo at Heron Road, Sowton, Exeter, EX2 7NF.
Comment on this story