Pubs on the 2 bus route

1 Two Bridges

Located on a steep hill that leads eventually to the River Tamar waterfront and adjacent to Saltash railway station, this small attractive pub has been repainted outside and refurbished inside. It is a real locals’ pub and is very welcoming to visitors. Featured inside are wooden tables, chairs and bench seats along the walls, together with local photos of the area, making it hold on to its historical charm. Three ever-changing beers are on offer, usually from local breweries, and a separate stillage may offer a fourth beer on gravity dispense. The pub does no food at present. Up the steps at the rear of the pub there is a very pleasant well-furnished garden with fine views of the two famous Tamar bridges that span the river: one for rail, built in 1859 by Brunel and the newer one for road traffic opened in 1962 replacing the former car ferry across the river. Alight on Fore Street, head to alleyway

13 Albert Road, Saltash, Cornwall PL12 4EB Find out more here

2 Cockleshell

This independently owned micro pub in the centre of Saltash was newly-opened in the summer of 2020 in a converted retail unit. It has no TV, loud music or electronic gaming machines to distract from the choices available, which are dedicated to offering a selection of unusual real ales, always from microbreweries, and ciders in a convivial environment. It also includes a selection of wines and gins as well as a range of products from national brands of 5 craft and keg beers. Good Beer Guide 2023 description Alight on Fore Street

73 Fore Street, Saltash, Cornwall PL12 6AF Find out more here

3 Union Inn

The frontage of this riverside local, overlooked by the Tamar bridges high above, is strikingly painted as a union flag; in addition, large murals on the gable end depict numerous local characters. The single bar offers a selection of real ales and two ever-changing guest beers, one usually on gravity in the cellar - see the board on the wall of the bar for the guest list.

Outside drinking is at tables overlooking the river. Regular live music evenings - modern jazz Tues, otherwise Friday and Saturday. Real cider is usually Sam’s on handpump, driven by a jetflow system. Note: children are not allowed in the bar. Tamar Street, the pub’s location, used to be known as Picklecock Alley, as shellfish were sold through open windows. Alight on Fore Street and head towards the river

4 Ferry House Inn

A warm welcome awaits you and your dog from the landlord and locals at this picturesque riverside pub on the River Tamar. Three regular West Country ales are served, as well as good home-cooked food. A decking area on the edge of the river gives spectacular views of both road bridge and Brunel’s iconic 1859 railway bridge. Photos, some dating back to the turn of the 20th century, adorn the walls. Quiz night is Sunday. Alight first stop after crossing the bridge from Cornwall and head down to the river Tamar

888 Wolseley Road, Saltash Passage, Plymouth PL5 1LA Find out more here

5 Brunel View

Formally the St Budeaux Working Men’s Club, the Brunel View opened in mid-2022. There is a lounge, bar, restaurant, pool hall, snooker tables and nine dart boards. Televised sport is also shown for the less energetic. At least one real live beer is served, believed to be Sharp’s Doom Bar, but Sharp’s Atlantic may also be available. There is an extensive food menu, with breakfasts served from 1000 until 1130, with other meals from 1200 all day. Alight at St Budeaux Square and cross the road over the railway line

7 Barne Road, St Budeaux, Plymouth PL5 1EF Find out more here

6 Britannia Inn

An Edwardian pub, built in the 1830s, and situated opposite Central Park and the Plymouth Life Centre, and a short walk from Home Park, Plymouth Argyle FC. The pub itself was built by the grandfather of Captain Scott (of The Antarctic fame). Ten hand pumps dispense at least one real cider, with local ciders appearing regularly. Since becoming a JD Wetherspoon in 1999, the pub has established a well-earned reputation for its’ well-kept live beers. Alight at Central Park, Milehouse

2 Wolseley Road, Milehouse, Plymouth PL2 3BH Find out more here

7 Brass Monkey

Busy city centre pub offering themed evenings and live music every Saturday evening. The pub serves up to 8 real ales and 2 real ciders on 10 handpulls. House beers may include Brass Monkey Ale (4% ABV) and Brass Monkey’s Big Brother (6% ABV), and Weston’s Traditional Scrumpy. Other Devon and Cornwall ales feature regularly, as well as some national favourites. Occasional beer festivals are held. CAMRA Member’s Vouchers may be redeemable here for real ale or cider - don’t forget your Membership Card! Alight on Royal Parade

12-14 Royal Parade, City Centre, Plymouth PL1 1DS Find out more here

8 Minerva Inn

Plymouth’s oldest hostelry, dating from 1540, and within easy walking distance of the city centre and the historic Barbican, attracts a varied clientele. It has a long and narrow bar, leading through to a cosy seating area at the rear. Two guest beers are supplemented by spring and autumn beer festivals, where beer could and does, come from all over the country. Live music takes place on Thursday-Sunday evenings and on Sunday lunchtimes. Alight on Royal Parade

31 Looe Street, Barbican, Plymouth PL4 0EA Find out more here

9 Queens Arms

A public house has stood on this site since the mid-19th century. The current building dates from the mid 1960’s after being blitzed in 1941. It is a traditional pub set in Southside Street which tends to attract older customers. Up to four live beers are usually available. The Otter Amber may alternate with Otter Ale, as may the Tribute and Proper Job. Alight on Royal Parade

55 Southside Street, Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LA Find out more here

10 Dolphin

A Plymouth institution, this unpretentious hostelry is steeped in history. Up to eight ales are all dispensed by gravity straight from the cask. Full of character, this charming pub has tiled floors, well-used wooden benches and a traditional open fire, all creating the perfect ambience. The walls are adorned with paintings by local artist, the late Beryl Cook, who painted many of the characters she encountered in the Dolphin. Alight on Royal Parade

14 The Barbican, Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LS Find out more here

11 Bread and Roses

This friendly, sympathetically restored, late Victorian pub is popular with university staff, but also has a mixed clientele. Up to three live beers are sold which are organic/Fairtrade wherever possible, just like the snacks. The ales are selected from local and regional breweries, including small batch and speciality beers unusual for the area. The pub promotes artistic and musical creativity and is a vibrant music hub for local talent. Alight Royal Parade

62 Ebrington Street, City Centre, Plymouth PL4 9AF Find out more here

12 Royal Oak

Despite the street sign attached to the front wall stating “Hexton Hill Road”, the pub is located on Lake Road. Four moorings and a slipway are available. The smoking area is covered and heated. Supervised children are welcome to fish; BBQ’s are held in fine weather. The pub has recently been taken over by the same couple who run the Fisherman’s Arms, Barbican (Donna and Lee). The pub is run by Lee’s sister, Clare, with Lee in the kitchen. Currently, two real ales are usually available. Alight at Hooe Lake

Lake Road, Hooe, Plymstock PL9 9QY Find out more here

13 Clovelly Bay

This family-run free house has an enthusiastic landlord with a passion for real ales and farm ciders. Up to four real ales are available, usually locally sourced, but can come from anywhere. At least two significant beer and cider festivals are held during the year, with an emphasis on locally sourced produce - check the website for details. Guest ales include beers from Bays, Dartmoor, Exeter, St Austell and Summerskills. There is a free jukebox available, and the pub is dog friendly. The pub is reachable by bus, or water taxi from the Barbican. Alight at the top of the village

1 Boringdon Road, Turnchapel PL9 9TB Find out more here

14 Boringdon Arms

The Bori is a traditional, and dog friendly, former CAMRA Regional Pub of the Year. It has six letting rooms and sits in the waterside village on the South West Coastal Footpath, benefitting from a regular bus service from Plymouth, or via water taxi from the Barbican. Four regular ales are available, with more during the four beer festivals a year held during the year. Good value, home-cooked food is served daily. There are two secluded gardens to the rear. Alight at the top of the village

13 Boringdon Terrace, Turnchapel PL9 9TQ Find out more here