Delicooks

Down in Devon...
Down in Devon...
There’s a village by the sea;
It’s a little piece of heaven
And the Angels call it Beer

Beer, An Unspoilt Devon Sea Side Village sheltered beach and sun trap. Situated between Sidmouth and Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast. Beer is a typical fishing village, where the art of fishing has been passed on from generation to generation. Although it was chiefly the menfolk of Beer who earned a reputation as fishermen or smugglers, the women were also rightly famous. Sittingat the door of their tiny houses, they produced delicate lace, which could be made only with bright sunlight of Beer. Beer lace was sold at the most famous stores in the world during the Victorian era.
Nature has been kind to Beer, with its bay surrounded by steep cliffs from where you can enjoy spectacular views. The village is welcoming and laid back, with flint cottages seemingly trapped in time. A small stream runs along the sidewalks, and down the gentle slope.
One of Beer's most famous tourist attractions are the caves that stretch under the limestone cliffs. Romans were the first to dig out these caves to extract the widely prized limestone. The quarry has supplied stone for 24 cathedrals including Exeter and St Pauls, parts of Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Hampton Court and Windsor castle.
A children’s favourite is the famous Pecorama Model Railway Exhibition and the Beer heights Light railway. Situated at the back of Beer with a host of interesting models and activities to keep the younger generation (and older!) happy.
The beach is reached directly from the centre of Beer. It is sheltered from all but Southerly and Easterly winds. It is still an active fishing village, but mixes scalloping with tourist mackerel fishing trips. It is a cheerful spot, and everyone is relaxed and takes his time to talk. You can also have ice cream or tea with scones and Devon clotted cream – pure calories but worth trying at least once.
There are three great food stands on the beach. We went to Chapples where Suzanne runs the tea hut and Jim the beach huts and chairs. A family enterprise that has been going for decades, as have the deck chairs!! There is always a friendly welcome to newcomers and, of course, to returning visitors.
You can rent motorboats to go fishing, especially for mackerel. When the tide is low, the youngest, and the not so young, pass the time hunting for small crabs and shrimp among rock pools.
On the way to the beach, you can't miss out on a visit to the popular fish shop where Jim and Alan always have fresh crabs and scallops. You can also try the peeled prawns or cockles fresh from the sea.
Beer has a good selection of hotels, such as The Anchor Inn or the Dolphin.
Apart from the excellent food provided by the hotels there are traditional restaurants, namely "Steamers" and "The Barrel of Beer Inn,” Beer also boasts an Italian and Indian restaurant.
For groups or families it's more practical and economical to rent a house. We recommend you contact Jim Lawton by email naturoil@aol.com. Or by SMS to 00447901716819.
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