The Notter Bridge Inn, situated right by the River Lynher must be one of the most picturesque pubs in the area. Owned by Joanne Baskott and her mother, the pub has a thriving food trade during lunchtimes, evenings and weekends as well as the usual drinking customers. Landlady, Joanne said: 'Everyone pulls together, that's why we are so successful.'

The area of Notter and the inn has a political history - the bridge, now rebuilt further away from the pub - was originally adjacent to it and was the spot for a major battle between the Roundheads and the Cavaliers during the 1540s.

The Notter Bridge Inn was originally called the Sportsmans Arms but was re-named in the 60s for an unknown reason. The small bridge was formerly the main road - but despite the road being redirected, many customers return to the Notter Bridge Inn every year. There are also caravan, chalet and bungalow parks at Notter which the pub serves.

A small jetty and steps are situated beside the pub and Joanne said it can be reached by boat along the river only five times a year, such as during the Spring high tide.

Joanne and her mother brought the Notter Bridge Inn almost seven years ago. Joanne has taken a back seat for three years to have her son (whom she named after a Cornish king, Kenan), with husband Kevin, who runs his own computer software business.

In January this year Joanne's mum retired and Joanne has since been back in the driving seat with the help of manager Paul Willis, who has been present at the pub since January 5.

Paul lives on the premises and does the day to day managing with the other staff. He said: 'I am absolutely loving it. There is an excellent clientele, good staff, a good working environment and a really friendly atmosphere. It is a lovely spot for a pub.'

The unofficial bar manager is Gillian Gould who came to work with Joanne when she bought the pub. Gillian said: 'I enjoy my job and the people, it's a good atmosphere and we all work together. It's almost like an extended family.'

Gillian's daughter, Amy Downe now works at The Notter Bridge Inn as a bar person but started working there on and off when she was 14 as a washer-upper.

Many of the staff have commented that they are friends as well as colleagues and are having a 'girls night out' in April at the pub, it seems as if they just can't keep away!

All in all The Notter Bridge Inn employees 20 staff - most being part timers. Cynthia Daley and Heather Kitt have been working at the pub for many years, as has Barry Moorhouse, the 'local joker'. Paul claims that on a Friday night, Barry and Gillian do a 'wonderful double act!'

Barry, Gillian and Joanne used to work together and Barry and Joanne organised Joanne's wedding reception and will be doing the same, this time with Joanne, for her brother's wedding reception in July.

The Notter Bridge Inn's home cooking is done by Joanne, Mary Rhodes, who has been at the pub for almost two years and worked there many years ago, Sue Hayes who is a newcomer to the Notter Bridge kitchens and Lynda Crawford, who, again has been at the pub for two years in May and thinks it has a nice atmosphere.

Joanne said: 'The Notter Bridge Inn has always had a good reputation for food. We use fresh and local ingredients wherever possible and we always try to make things a bit more interesting for the customers. We emphasise the fact that we are not a restaurant and we don't charge restaurant prices.'

Some examples that Joanne gave of 'making things more interesting' involves, on the menu - ostrich, wild boar, rabbit pie and game casserole. All is not however this exotic, the old favourites also feature largely on the menu, including sausage and chips, and ham, egg and chips to name but a few. The vegetarian aspect of the menu is also growing in strength. Curries feature largely on the menu and specials board, and Joanne said, there are at least 12 of them on the specials board at any time. One of the many theme nights held regularly is 'curry night'.

A wine of the month is advertised at the pub but Joanne makes a point of not actively serving French wines - apart from the house wine which is specifically requested by customers - and not knowingly buying any other French products, not however due to the beef ban but because of nuclear testing in the South Pacific over which she feels very strongly. She said: 'Besides I feel that you can get some very good wines and better products at reasonable prices elsewhere. We generally try to use local suppliers as we try to support the local economy.'

Chris Jewess is a regular at The Notter Bridge Inn as he only lives 300 yards away from it and walks there for lunch. He said: 'I like the pub, the people and the staff. It's also a really nice place to live as its only 15 minutes from Plymouth. I come to the pub for lunch, and in the evenings, and to play darts on a Friday.'

Euchre is also played every Monday evening and the pub has regular theme nights, including the likes of African, Spanish, Oriental, and beach party theme nights take place throughout the year.

Pensioners lunches are served and have proved to be very popular as they include a main course and a pudding at a reasonable price. Joanne explained: 'The pensioners lunches started during the winter months and have become a regular and successful feature since. Many of the local pensioners appreciate them.'

Formerly from Looe and now from Camborne, Bruce and Rosemary Eltham and their son Peter make the journey to The Notter Bridge Inn for lunch. Rosemary said: 'This is the best place that we know, we have been coming here for eight years on and off.'

Her husband Bruce continued: 'We have tried other pubs in the area but we keep on coming back here.'

Frank and Anita Milford, both 92, from Plymouth were having a meal in the non-smoking conservatory with Derek and Marie Griffiths, who were taking a flying visit for the day from Bradford on Avon. Anita commented: 'We all like the meals, the atmosphere and people are lovely. I like the wide range of choices on the menu and it's a very picturesque place to visit.'

Derek agreed with her and said: 'We're taking a flying visit and it's a lovely spot for the pub.'

Phyllis and Douglas Whitehead, sat at the next table, also journeyed from Plymouth for a meal. Phyllis lived locally before the war and remembers cycling to Notter Bridge to pick primroses.

Taking a holiday in the chalets over the road from the pub are Alan and Doreen Coles from South Wales .This is their first visit to Notter and Alan says they will come back again. He said: 'We've got the river for fishing and the pub close by.' He joked: 'I wouldn't be here if I didn't like the beer!'

Regulars for food are Peter Tremlett and Diane Cains. Diane said: 'We come here about twice a week for a meal, we have been coming here for many years but now we're both retired we can come a bit more often.'

She added 'You couldn't wish for anywhere better, you've got the river and the wildlife and you can't hear the road. It's a lovely place with nice staff and they're all very friendly.'

The previously named 'Third bar' at the back of the pub has changed its name to 'The Brunel Bar' and it is planned to fill it with old photos and memorabilia of the Brunel bridge and The Notter Bridge Inn. The patio doors lead into a small beer garden where there are benches overlooking the river.

The customers enjoy coming to The Notter Bridge Inn and a reason for this, which came up again and again, is the fact that the staff are so friendly, the food is full of quality and the pub has a welcoming atmosphere and picturesque setting. All 'inn' all, The Notter Bridge is the ideal place to visit for a meal or a drink.