Torquay is one of the finest footballing backwaters, and it’s a great shame to see this friendly little club heading for non-league football.

Forget Helen Chamberlain, Plainmoor is the ground that brought us pre-match entertainment consisting of a man (called Dave Beer!!) having cannonballs fired at him from the opposite end of the pitch.

These days however pre-match beer centres on the club at under the main stand, namely Boots and Laces, which is well worth a visit, or any of the pubs around Babbacombe where the ground is situated. Fore Street boasts three pubs, the pick of which is The Dolphin, while The Buccaneer Inn is the traditional away pub situated as it is adjacent to the seafront on Babbacombe Downs Road, little more than five minutes walk to the ground, kind of the “Dutton Arms” of Torquay. You can also practice your Bazil Fawlty impressions whilst complaining about the view…”hanging gardens of Babylon” etc.

Heading in-land O’Connor’s bar on St. Marychurch Road is a bit bland but decent enough, and the same can be said of Strikers sports bar and The John Bull.

Of course Torquay itself has a plethora of pubs and clubs to satisfy all tastes, but those in search of something traditional would be well advised to sample The Famous Hop and Grapes on Lower Union Lane. Although more town centre than sea-front, the ground is no more than a 12 minute walk from this establishment which has a good beer garden and fine selection of ales.

If you find yourself in the vicinity of the Harbour frontage then try the ancient Hole In The Wall just back from the harbour itself, allegedly 450+ years old! the local Wetherspoons (The London) is just around the corner from here en-route to the ground for those that like that sort of thing.

Anyhow, anyone lucky enough to be going the weather forecast is set fair, so enjoy your weekend.

Next stop Notts County hooray, Hooters!!