Embassy Tavern

You know that pub where everyone seems to know everyone else? That's the Embassy. Head down Colin Road towards the quieter end of Paignton and you'll find this place doing exactly what it's supposed to do — serving pints without any faffing about. The crowd's mixed but committed: pensioners nursing halves alongside younger locals who've genuinely chosen to be here rather than wandered in by accident. There's an ease to the place that comes from actually being part of the neighbourhood rather than existing for it. The 4.4-star rating from 349 reviews tells you people care enough to come back.