'Gay pub' plans move up the road

By csmith colleen smith csmith@heraldexpress.co.uk

TORBAY'S famous 'gay pub' The Meadfoot Inn is moving to bigger premises.

The pub is transferring to the former Hesketh Arms, also in Torquay's Meadfoot Lane, which has stood empty for nearly a year.

The Meadfoot Inn, whose slogan is 'the most diverse pub in the Bay', will not change its name because of its nationwide reputation.

"We are closing the Meadfoot after 98 years and transferring up the road," said Richard Long, who owns the pub jointly with Robin Jones.

"We will have more space and we will be able to do food.

"We are keeping the name and our distinctive pub sign because everybody knows the Meadfoot.

"We have had a lot to do at the Hesketh because it was repossessed and everything they couldn't take they smashed.

"Also there were squatters in there who set fires in the basins and the bath, smashed windows and smashed holes in the walls. It was a right mess."

It is hoped the pub will transfer to its new home by the end of March.

"We are moving the furniture and it will be the same mix of old and new," Mr Long said. "We have been here for five years now and business is very good. This move is a step in the right direction for us."

The pub is hosting a Meadfoot Lane street party in June during this year's second gay pride festival.

"The Meadfoot is a community pub for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population. It's really for anybody. So long as you don't cause any trouble, you're welcome."