#pubwithaplayground #childfriendlypub #familypub #devon #eastdevon #eatingoutwithkids #beergarden #swings #climbingframe #slide
We’ve been visiting this pub for years due to its large beer garden (good for children to run around), super-cheap 2-4-1 meal menu, and carvery area where we could sit slightly separately from the non-family diners so as not to worry much about disturbing them with flying bits of pasta and the occasional noisy episode.
But they’ve recently installed a small play area in the garden giving me a good excuse to return (as part of my mission to put together a list of decent pubs with play areas), so we made a beeline for it one sunny Sunday on our way back from Exeter and let the girls test the new equipment out before settling down for a bit of lunch.
The Otter Inn is hidden away in the tiny hamlet of Weston, just a stone’s throw from the Heathpark trading estate in Honiton – not that you’d know it as it’s surrounded by lovely countryside. It’s a traditional Devon pub with low beams and a relaxed atmosphere with carveries on Thursdays and Sundays and a 2-4-1 menu available Monday – Saturday, featuring all of the pub favourites alongside a specials menu too.
A pretty river runs around the beer garden, which is mostly fenced off, but parents of adventurous kids beware – there are some openings in the hedges at the back of the garden which lead down to the water (mostly shallow but quite fast running, you might not want them tromping around in the stream without supervision) – so just something to be aware of as it’s not immediately obvious.
The newly-added swings, rope ladder, tower and slide was just enough to keep our children (aged 3 and 6) entertained and although we didn’t order off the children’s menu this time (we shared a couple of carveries between the four of us!) they do have a good offering for kids. I’d say the play structure would only be suitable for kids aged up to 7 tops but plenty of room in the garden for older children to explore.
On a practical note, there’s plenty of parking right next to the pub, and there’s plenty of room for buggies inside. Baby changing facilities are available in the ladies’ loo.
Keep up to date with special offers and family-friendly events on The Otter Inn’s Facebook page.
While you’re in the area, good old Playdome is just a 5-minute drive away – a large soft play for kids aged 12 and under on the trading estate in Honiton – though do check opening times before visiting as Playdome's opening hours vary.
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