There's life yet in the English pub - but service is everything

I would like to raise a glass to two local businesses who have showed that there is still hope for what is sadly becoming a dying breed out in the market place - a good, old fashioned English pub.

I must admit that I wasn't too impressed with The Wighton when it first opened on the old Newton Road at Edginswell in Torquay a few years ago.  The food and general feel of the place wasn't anything to write home about.

But a massive investment from owners Marstons has given the pub a new lease of life - and a huge vote of confidence in Torquay and the English Riviera generally.

The pub has reopened with a brand new look following a complete refurbishment to emphasise its ‘warm, timeless country pub atmosphere’.

The transformation has seen a brand new Farrow & Ball colour palette introduced into the venue, alongside wall panelling and bespoke tiling. A new homely ‘snug’ section was added to the bar featuring cosy Chesterfield seating. Additionally, the al fresco dining area has been updated. The pub received an investment spend of £420,000 into its refurbishment.

The Wighton at Torbay  is named after one of the last Watson-class sailing lifeboats to be stationed in the area.

It is a pub-restaurant serving a menu of British pub classics alongside items with a modern twist. Its beer garden allows guests to drink or dine alfresco, while the spacious and modern interior offers a relaxed dining experience. The new look is set to elevate the pub’s interior to suit all occasions, from ‘casual lunches to special celebrations’.

Marstons run over 1,600 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales. Yuri Solecki, general manager of The Wighton, said, “We are so excited to open the doors of The Wighton at Torbay and to show our guests the final result of our refresh. We have invested over £420k into breathing new life into The Wighton. The pub is much loved by its regulars, and we are so glad to see everybody back again."

Besides the new look and decent food, The Wighton also has something else going for it. Service. Excellent service.

And that leads me on nicely to another local just up the road which also offers just that - the Barn Owl.

We pre-booked a side-room for the entire family to celebrate my daughter's birthday and it was simply a lovely, well-organised night and experience. Particular thanks to the waitress from the Dominican Republic who was a joy

The Wighton and Barn Owl are proof that, gladly, there is life yet in the good old English pub.

But they also show that pubs these days have to offer more than just a pint and a pasty if they are to survive.

And, like every business in the tourism and hospitality industry, service, excellent service , is absolutely king.