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Riviera Centre, Torquay
11-13 April 2025
One of the most prestigious beer competitions in the world.
Units 3-5, Heathfield Industrial Estate, Heathfield Street, Elland, HX5 9AE
Westgate Brewery, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QT
The pub takes its name from a famous pub that was located nearby until the entire street (Wych Street) was demolished over 100 years ago, shortly before Africa House, was built. Converted from a bank/building society in 1998.
Now a cavernous Wetherspoon pub whose convenient location means that it is nearly always busy, even weekends when the absence of the work crowd is made up for by shoppers, out of towners and people starting their Saturday nights (on Sunday many other local establishments are closed, which helps boost its custom). The nearby location of the London School of Economics means that students swell the pub's population during term time. Even though this is a very busy pub, service is normally quick from an efficient staff team.
Following CAMRA's updated definition of "real cider", pubs such as this selling for example Old Rosie and Orchard Pig or other ciders such as Thistly Cross, Stans, Gwynt Y Draig, Broadoak etc. no longer qualify for the "Real cider" tag.
Historic Interest
Grade II listing (Africa House):- 1921-2. By Trehearne and Norman. Portland stone faced steel frame. 6 storeys and 2 storey set back attic. 9 windows. Double height fluted Doric screen, with inset shops and bank, flanks a round-arched triumphal arch style entrance inscribed "Africa House" and surmounted by lions couchant. Upper storeys set back with central distyle-in-antis screen rising from 3rd to 5th floor; metal-framed windows, 5th floor with Greek scroll aprons and enrichment to heads of bays suggesting pilasters. Entablature with deep mutule cornice surmounted by a pediment of carved figures and animals. Plain attic storeys with cornice and blocking course having a central antefixa. Return to Twyford Place continues the design with a long screen.
This Pub serves 6 changing beers and 3 regular beers.
Shakespeare's Head, London
Up to 6 or more rotating to give a spread across beer types, usually with a couple of London beers
Changing beers typically include: East London (varies) , Twickenham (varies) , Windsor & Eton (varies)
Source: National
Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals
Garden
Family Friendly
Disabled Access
Smoking
Wi Fi
Real Ale
LocAle
Cask Marque
Quiet
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