Inside legendary Devon bar that's still a mega success like no other after 20 years

Harley Nichols behind the bar at Appleby's in Torquay
Harley Nichols behind the bar at Appleby's in Torquay -Credit:DevonLive


Appleby's, the legendary Torquay bar, is celebrating two decades of unparalleled success, standing out as a unique entertainment hotspot. With no other bar in Torquay offering such a comprehensive year-round mix of fun, including a swimming pool, parties, accommodation, nightlife, and stunning sea views, it's clear why Appleby's has become such a hit.

The establishment's longevity can be attributed to its diverse appeal to both locals and tourists, ensuring its status as a massive success story.

Dominic Kirkup, the owner, sums up his thriving business with one word - "mega". As the Euros approach this summer, he anticipates the bar will be bustling and the vibe will be electric. When the sun beams down and holidaymakers flock in, the days and nights at Appleby's are expected to be nothing short of mega.

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It's hard not to fall for a venue that encapsulates the quintessential British holiday spirit. Torquay boasts an array of fine hotels, but few locales can rival its combination of sea, sand, and family-oriented enjoyment, reports Devon Live.

Interior of Appleby's Torquay
Interior of Appleby's Torquay -Credit:DevonLive

Appleby's, a local favourite, is renowned for its ability to cater to a variety of needs under one roof. From breakfast on the terrace to catering for large parties, and from penalty shoot-outs on big screens to regular reggae nights, it's not just your average pub.

In addition to being a popular watering hole, Appleby's forms part of a holiday complex that includes the Heritage Hotel with its 25 rooms. Dominic, the owner, believes this diversity has been key to their survival: "If we only served pints and some food I don't think we would have survived. I'm fortunate enough to have 25 bedrooms."

He recalls how occupancy rates have increased from around 40 per cent when he bought the place twenty years ago, to a current rate of about 85 per cent. Despite changes in the hospitality industry such as smoking bans and the rise of social media, Dominic credits their growth to their ability to adapt and keep afloat.

Dominic's connection with Appleby's dates back to 2003 when he and his father, Philip, traded their pub business in Huddersfield for the English Riviera. He fondly remembers their decision to move: "The sun shines more down here than anywhere else," he says. "And Devon is beautiful. At the time we fancied getting our teeth into something new."

Appleby's in Torquay
Appleby's in Torquay -Credit:Frankie Mills

Following steady improvements and investments, Appleby's Hotel has grown in reputation, becoming a sought-after function venue for various occasions, ranging from christenings and birthdays to weddings, engagements, wakes, baby showers, farewell parties, and business meetings.

The hotel offers a variety of buffet options, from the Classic for 20 people at £75 to the Gold for up to 100 people at £380. "We've been doing them for years and years and they work very well for us," says Dominic. "The hospitality industry is very bad but these functions have been extremely popular. We can do five or six in a weekend."

Dominic and his staff have continued to manage the hotel since the passing of Philip over six years ago. "We cater for everything," says Dominic. "We call ourselves the Heritage Hotel complex. There is entertainment inside and out, big screens and a terrace outside that sits 200 people."

The hotel also boasts a bar, conservatory area, games room with two pool tables, a swimming pool offering lessons and mums and baby classes, ensuring it caters to a wide range of needs. Torquay beach is just 100 meters away across Torbay Road.

There's a pretty even mix of locals and holidaymakers depending on the time of year. "We have a lot of regulars who come back to the hotel each year," says Dominic. "We get a lot of traffic through the swimming pool, locals and holidaymakers and the bar is very popular with both."

Danny Denison, is one of the regulars here. He lives closer to the town centre but walks here because Appleby's offers something different to many of the other pubs.

Danny Denison at Appleby's in Torquay
Danny Denison at Appleby's in Torquay -Credit:DevonLive

"I just like like the atmosphere here," he says. "It's a very clean and friendly place and you can enjoy a drink while taking in the view of the seafront."

Bar worker Harley Nichols agrees: "Appleby's is one if the best jobs I've ever had. The management are there for you when needed, the staff are all amazing. Everyone has your back and it's a joyous place to work."

"Everyone has a laugh with each other from the locals to the staff and even with new people that come in it's the perfect place to let your hair down and feel welcome after a bad day."

There have been a massive improvements to the premises over the years, including the terrace, toilets and conservatory areas. The swimming pool is next.

Dominic is positive about the area's future and welcomes signs of investment. "I'm very happy to see that," he says referring to the construction of several new hotels in the bay.

Harley Nichols behind the bar at Appleby's in Torquay
Harley Nichols behind the bar at Appleby's in Torquay -Credit:DevonLive

"I'm all for investment and keeping the area moving forward, it has to be good for Torbay. I think the work to pedestrianise the harbourside is nice to see.

"It's a shame what's happened to the high street [the number of empty shops] but that is happening all across the country. Everyone is going online to shop, shopkeepers are paying extortionate rents to landlords, I'm happy not to have those issues."

As Torquay embarks on what it hopes will be another prosperous holiday season, every day brings a new reason for crowds to visit Appleby's.

"In general, I'm always upbeat, says Dominic. "Bookings for the hotel are looking great. We've got the Euros coming up in June and we'll be exceptionally busy because we are a great destination for people watch on the big screens inside and out.

We've got the Rootsoup Reggae on Sundays, bank holiday festivals, the Air Show. "We just need the sun to shine to pick everyone up and I'm looking forward to a great summer. It's going to be mega."