Right, where do i begin? There's too much to say... Guess the first thing is to start with a bit... don't worry only a bit...of history.
Although unrecognisable now, as it's all merged into one, Plymouth originally consisted of three towns. The Barbican (where I live), Stonehouse and Plympton. The Barbican was and still is the major fishing harbour for the town. Stonehouse was where the huge, armarda defeating, Navy were based, and still are, and Plympton....well thats just Plympton!
I expect you know this already but Sir Francis Drake was supposed to have been playing bowls on Plymouth Hoe when he was informed of the approaching Spanish Armarda. He finished his game and then duly sailed out and kicked their ass!
MOAT
HOUSE - great views over Plymouth Sound and the Hoe. Remember to request a room South facing over Plymouth Sound. Wise to ask for one as high as possible.
COPTHORNE - Good city centre location and the nearest to the train station.
GRAND - Best by far, but also the most expensive. Situated nicely on the Hoe with good views from upper rooms. Typical of the 'Grand' hotels across the country.
MAYFLOWER - Just off the Hoe but still offering good views from upper rooms, however it's location is not great being a little bit out of the way when compared to the Moat House.
If you want a cheaper option the Hoe area has plenty of family run B&B's for around £15 p.p but wise to book in advance.
EATING OUT
George Street in the city centre has several Greek Steak houses along it's length all reasonably priced and good quality.
The Barbican area has everything however, including a fine Chinese restaurant 'Crystal Dragon', several good seafood houses (fish straight from the boats), two Indians, pasta & pizza bar etc etc you get the picture.
At the entrance to the Barbican is a pub / restaurant called the Notte Inn. The best value for money meals in Plymouth and huge portions all superby cooked and tasty. They specialise in steaks and Chinese style 'sizzlers' - you've seen them.
Famous Restaurant? Well okay not a restaurant but everyone in Plymouth know's of 'Captain Jaspers'. It's a burger bar on the Barbican and serves every burger you can imagine. If they don't they'll make what you want. mmmmmmm lovely - my apologies if your a veggie but they do them too!
The best restaurant in town I hear you ask? Well that would have to be the Moulin Rouge which is at the bottom of the city centre in Frankford gate. However it's pricy and typical nouvelle cuisine. Nice though.
WHERE TO DRINK.
First of all Plymouth is a town where all ages go out and drink togther, and I mean ALL. I've been to several places notably around London where older people just don't seem to go out and certainly don't mix with the younger ones, well not here every man and his dog seems to be out drinking!
It depends how big a drinker you are. Do you want a quiet drink or a mad session?
Of course as with all towns these days Yates, Hogshead, and Wetherspoons have all reared there ugly heads and each one had a large pub on the main drag through the city 'Royal Parade'. But if your a visitor don't go to these....please.....! They are cheap, but thats about all they have going for them.
Head to the Barbican where all the old world pubs are located. If you want to savour a real Plymouth, Barbican pub have a drink in the Dolphin. Your first impression is that it may look rough but thats because it's a listed building inside and they are not allowed to touch it. It also serves the best guiness and Bas in the area!
Most of the pubs here are stooped in history.
Theres also the odd, nicely decorated cocktail bar to keep all those flashy ones amongst you happy.
There is really only one area to go after hours - Union street. Many years ago this street was world renowned as it was a mile long and contained door to door bars and clubs. However since the decline of the British Navy it's shrinking and is now half the size of it's former self. Still good though.
Most notable night clubs:
BOARDWALK
This large club is really 4 bars in one. In the centre of the club there's one circular bar which everyone can dance around. But around the edge are 3 other bars, one Irish, one sports, and one tropical. Interesting layout and good if you get bored with the music in one of them.
JESTERS
This one has been going for years and had watched others come and go. It's extremely popular and plays pop/dance music. Stuff that everyone knows and dances to. Basically most single people love this place as it's a bit of a meat maket!
There are around 10 other clubs on union street but the rest are much of a muchness.
SHOPPING
Don't bother. Don't go to Plymouth to shop as the city centre is basically 2 ugly concrete streets with no character at all. Unfortunatly the centre was flatted during the war and with it all the old charming streets have gone. The shops are terrible quality too, with almost (it seems) every other shop a sports shop. You get the picture lots of shell suits walking around!!! etc etc.
We'll if your hoping to go to Plymouth and eat and drink yourself silly I hope I've been of some help.
If you want to know what else to do in the area you'll have to wait for part 2 as this will get toooo boring if I rabbit on any longer!!!
Have a nice trip.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Nice areas of the city (waterfront, Hoe and Barbican) local city that provides all you need and a nice center for other areas Disadvantages: Looks pretty bad and there are nasty sides to it.
Chris_Padden 09.03.2002 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Plymouth in General
Advantages: ICE CREAM FACTORY, reasonably priced kids meals, good deals. Disadvantages: Quite expensive, can only visit salad bar once, pasta not very nice.
hays298 18.10.2005 (18.10.2005)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Pizza Hut, Devon
Aug 8th, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
