Inside Appleby’s: the iconic bar in the heart of Torquay that “never stops”

When Dominic Kirkup came to Torquay looking for a place to buy, he kept wondering why the Heritage Hotel was on the market.

“Maybe the previous owner didn’t realize how hard it would be! Dominique said with a smile.

And it is definitely hard work. The Heritage Hotel has 24 state-of-the-art rooms, a private swimming pool and is located in the heart of Torquay. But what’s more is that it houses the legendary Appleby’s bar.

Known for its giant sports screens, sun terrace and breathtaking views of Torquay Beach, each day brings a new reason to visit the crowds and a new challenge for the staff.

“We all say you never get bored at Heritage. There are things that happen to you from all angles because we have everything; bar, swimming pool, rooms, terrace. There’s a lot going on all the time, ”Dominic said.

“It never stops. There is so much going on here all the time, ”he said.

“With the rain last week, we had a leak in one of the bedrooms, so there you have it. We deal with guests all the time through the online reservation system,” he said.

But regardless of the constant stream of customers arriving at Appleby’s, general manager Brona Conbery says they know how to handle crowds.

“We have a very good system in place that we have been using for a very long time. We have a brilliant team, they are fantastic, they have experience, they know what they’re doing, ”said Brona, Managing Director of Appleby.

The pandemic has undoubtedly been one of the most difficult years the hospitality industry has ever seen. However, Dominic says that during the intervals they allowed to open, the businesses flourished.

“When we got out of confinement [last year] it was busy, busy busy. People were happy to go out. The hotel was full, the bars were packed, ”he said.

“Now everyone walks through the front door with a big smile on their faces. They are happy to come out. Like us, they have been locked up,” he said.

“We are very fortunate that the business has truly prospered since it reopened,” said Brona.

“This is because so many customers know about our business and have probably spent many months looking forward to dinner and visiting us. Appleby’s is a very popular place in Torquay. their first pint here, ”she said.

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