Backdrop Beer

Finding the best places to sip a cold one.

The Fisherman’s Cot, Mid Devon

Nestled in Devon’s rolling hills and set on the banks on the River Exe in Bickleigh, the Fisherman’s Cot is a picture perfect riverside pub. 

The Pub

The Fisherman’s Cot is a large thatched pub (and inn) with extensive indoor seating and a large beer garden that backs onto the River Exe. As a Marston’s, the food is average and the inside could be cosier.
 

Backdrop 

Decor and food aside, the pièce de résistance is, of course, the setting. The pub and beer garden look out over the fast flowing Exe as it cascades down the Bickleigh Bridge Weir. The five arch, Grade II listed bridge is wrought of stone and has stood in its current form since 1809. Locals have long claimed that Simon and Garfunkel were singing about this bridge in their 1970 hit “Bridge Over Troubled Water”.
 
Sipping my cold pint of Hells while watching drivers navigate the narrow bridge was extremely pleasant. The scene was topped off by a visit from the local Heron (Harry) who fishes in the weir.  Backdrop score: 4/5

Seating

There’s plenty of decent seating to enjoy the views however there’s only 4 or 5 4 seater tables close to the river in the beer garden. Definitely call ahead and check whether you can secure one as these are prime real estate. They also have outdoor seating undercover so if you do get caught out by the rain you don’t necessarily have to go inside. All things considered, there’s plenty of decent outdoor seating but only a few prime tables with that beautiful backdrop so I’ve scored it 3.5/5.

Atmosphere

The pub is pretty touristy so the atmosphere is extremely changeable depending on season and/or weather. The long arm of Marston’s means It doesn’t have a local feel and isn’t particularly welcoming. I scored it 2/5.

Beer

Usual selection you’d expect in a Marston’s:
Lager (changeable)
Camden Hells
Amstel
Regular Cask Ales
Marston’s Pedigree
Ringwood Best

Bar Menu

Chicken Wings
Halloumi Fries
Home-Made Pork Crackling
Mixed Kefalonian Olives
Sausage Roll
Hummus and Flatbread

Facilities 

Dog friendly, massive carpark, wheelchair access and fair toilets

The Fisherman's Cot - Tiverton
  • Backdrop
  • Atmosphere
  • Seating
3.7

Summary

Worth a trip for a pint on the river if you can secure a prime table.