Whilst not in its present form or under its current name, records in Exeter describe an ale house on the site since 1132, as centuries ago, the ferry from Shaldon would land where the fish quay now stands – hence the Jolly Sailor was known as ‘The Ferryboat’.

History has been kind to the Jolly Sailor. It survived the French invasion of the 1690’s, as they sailed into the estuary and ransacked the town. Fortunately, the French used the historic pub as their headquarters, and for this reason it remains one of the oldest buildings left standing.

In past times, where the fireplace in the bottom area of the pub now houses a wood burner, many priests would hide up in the chimney to avoid persecution.

In more recent days, the Jolly Sailor appeared in the 1966 film ‘Press for Time’ (starring Norman Wisdom), where he was seen running in and out of the bar.

Ye Olde Jolly Sailor is a family run public house situated on the Teign estuary. ‘Fish and Chip Fridays’ provides fresh beer battered cod with chips, peas and salad – two regular fish and chip meals for £10. We host a quiz night every Tuesday with great prizes on every round – and don’t forget ‘Monday Jazz Night’ – where great local jazz artists can be found from across Devon.