The Best Pubs in Plymouth
Forget the guidebooks—Plymouth’s pub scene is a glorious, messy, and utterly charming mix of history and hearty hospitality. You’ll find proper local hangouts with roaring fires and secret castle walls, places serving legendary Sunday roasts and award-winning pies, and spots where the view across the historic harbourfront is as good as the pint in your hand. Whether you’re after a hidden courtyard with craft beers or a no frills gem with beer mats by the thousand, these are the best pubs in Plymouth. Read on to discover your new favourite local.


1. The Hyde Park
88 Mutley Plain, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6LG
Welcome to The Hyde Park, a unique and traditional pub where a warm welcome awaits you. We pride ourselves on excellent homemade food, from delicious handmade pies to famous sausages from our local butcher, and a wide varied range of drinks including 3 permanent real ales and over 300 premium gins in our function room. The pub is well known for its extensive range of pub memorabilia displayed on every wall, a reel of old TV clips, and a conservatory roof covered in just short of 5000 beer mats, creating a pleasing feel of nostalgia. We also offer a unique two course afternoon tea, with a popular premium gin tasting option where staff make recommendations to match your taste.
Photo by David Smith — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. Lord High Admiral
33 Stonehouse St, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3PE
The Lord High Admiral is a historic Stonehouse pub that serves craft beers, Guinness, pop-up slab Detroit-style pizza, famous Sunday roasts, and sustainable wines. It features a covered, heated courtyard and a popular weekly pub quiz, making it perfect for friends, sport, or just a pint. The bar offers independent breweries, rotating taps, natural wines, and a full back bar of spirits, from the perfect pint to a perfect negroni.
Photo by N Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. Dolphin Hotel
14 The Barbican, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2LS
This no-frills, unmodernised pub is famous for its cask ale and draught Bass served straight from the barrel. Housed in a Grade II listed building on the Barbican, it was the setting for several of artist Beryl Cook's paintings and has historic ties to the Tolpuddle Martyrs. The pub is listed in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide and has been run by the same landlord since the 1990s. It even provided the setting for a BBC comedy series.
Photo by Jaggery — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. Fishermans Arms
31 Lambhay St, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2NN
Welcome to the Fishermans Arms, one of the city's oldest pubs and a true hidden gem where you can find part of a 14th century castle wall inside! This dog friendly country pub in the city features open fires, oak floors, and candlelit tables, and offers an incredible selection of over 60 single malt whiskies alongside an extensive gin menu. The food is freshly prepared using local ingredients, with customer favourites including the Mr Jones ale battered cod and chips and the famously secret recipe Fishermans Gumbo. Finish your meal with one of their stunning desserts, or join in the fun at their Sunday Sessions with live music and popular quiz nights.
Photo by N Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


5. Thistle Park Tavern
32 Commercial Rd, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LE
Thistle Park Tavern is a proper local gem that truly comes alive on weekends with fantastic live music. The heart of this place is its wonderful team, who create such a welcoming vibe that you will immediately want to return. You can enjoy reasonably priced pints, including excellent South Hams Brewery ales, out on the outdoor seating area.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
6. Salumi Bar & Eatery
18 Millbay Rd, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3LH
Salumi Bar & Eatery is a cosy and friendly spot with a great menu, offering everything from a yummy pork burger to a nice breakfast. The staff are lovely, and the Sunday lunch is a highlight. It opens Monday through Thursday from 5pm til late, Friday and Saturday from 12pm til late, and Sunday from 11am to 8pm.


7. The Clovelly Bay Inn
Boringdon Rd, Plymouth, Devon, PL9 9TB
The Clovelly Bay Inn is a gem, offering an incredibly warm welcome and a brilliant selection of beers and ales. The food is an absolute triumph, with the Steak and Ale pie and fish and chips earning worldwide praise, while the hand chopped chips with cheese are a simple delight. Make sure to visit on a Sunday for what many call the best roast dinner ever, all served by a friendly team that makes every visit feel special.
Photo by Stephen Craven — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. James Street Vaults
24 James St, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6EQ
James Street Vaults is a proper, no nonsense local that has earned its stripes over decades of loyal service. With a recent change in management bringing fresh energy to the drinks and promotions, it remains the kind of place where regulars feel right at home. This is the true hangout spot, a pub with history and heart that welcomes everyone through its doors.
Photo by N Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
9. The Waterfront Pub & Eating Hse
9 Grand Parade, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3DQ
This pub is a proper dog friendly spot where you can bring the whole family, including furry members, to enjoy a proper pint. It offers stunning views across the historic harbourfront from both indoor and outdoor seating, including a terrace. You can tuck into firm favourites and reimagined pub classics from the menu, with vegan and vegetarian options available. Open for breakfast with al fresco dining, it is a welcoming place to escape the hustle and bustle.
10. Mount Batten Bar & Carvery
70 Lawrence Rd, Plymouth, Devon, PL9 9SJ
This pub is a true hidden gem, offering a stunning view that perfectly complements a hearty meal. The roast of the day, especially the beef, is cooked to perfection, making it a fantastic spot for a Sunday lunch. With outdoor seating available, you can enjoy your very good carvery while soaking in the scenery. Just be sure to arrive right when they open on Sundays, as the staff have a strict policy on waiting times.




