West: Exeter Inn

Ashburton, Devon

Jim McNichol plied his trade as a professional footballer first with Ipswich then with Luton, Brentford and Torquay before signing for Exeter in 1984. He liked the Devon way of life so much that he and his wife's family bought the Exeter Inn in 1986.

Jim's playing days ended in 1992 and since then he has turned his hand to making the pub a focal point for the 5,500 population of Ashburton.

Given Jim's past, it should come as no surprise that sport plays an integral part in the pub's social activities. He says: "When we first arrived, the pub had one darts team. Now, we have three darts teams, one euchre team, two football teams, and two hockey teams, run a golf competition and have a horse racing club." And Jim's 18 years as a professional footballer are used to good effect as he coaches the soccer teams. The Exeter is also the venue for the local cricket and tennis clubs.

However, the regulars' penchant for sport hasn't spilt over into the Exeter installing Sky Sports. Jim explains: "We are not that type of pub. It was built in 1130 and is one of the oldest pubs in Devon with a long history, including the arrest of Sir Walter Raleigh in 1603."

Apart from sport, the Exeter sponsors the local amateur dramatic society and is used as a meeting place for two choirs and the bell ringing team. Jim has also been keen to uphold the pub's fundraising activities with the main benefactor being the Dartmoor Rescue Group.

Even though Jim says he has seen many changes in his tenure, the pub has stayed true to its prime role as a watering hole that's not invaded by foodies. The current wet:dry split is 90:10 and he thinks that there is little likelihood of that changing significantly in the foreseeable future. "The basis for our success is that we try to run the pub in a way that I would like if I were a customer. Our customers tell us they enjoy coming to the pub. We still hold on to the tradition of being a locals' pub, which does a little bit of food."

Jim is the longest-serving landlord in the town and has used numerous building firms over the years to maintain and improve the pub. As such, the Exeter has become somewhat akin to a citizens' advice bureau because Jim is often called on for recommendations if someone needs a tradesman.