KINGSAND is a long way from the heart of the West End, and the view from the Devonport Inn is a great deal more bracing, and spectacular than London can offer. But the difference in the two has been breached, very expertly, by the owners of Kingsand's Devonport Inn - James and Vanda Hetreed.

The couple came to Kingsand after working on the Wiltshire, Somerset and Devon borders, but James said before, for many years, he had run nightclubs in London's entertainment centre. He and his wife bought The Devonport, after being given a black and white photograph of it, and then travelling to Cornwall to view it. James and Vanda, who have now run the pub for seven successful and happy years, say they realised it had true potential, and decided they would rather work for themselves than for someone else.

After being at the pub - which is wonderfully situated on The Cleave at Kingsand, right opposite the sea - for a year - they closed it down for three months and totally refurbished it. By doing this they returned an original, natural, welcoming, timely feel to the r, with its many nooks and crannies.

Vanda said that, when the sun is shining and customers are able to sit at the benches outside and eat and drink as the look out over the water, there is a definite Mediterranean, laid-back, feel to the pub.

This ambience is enjoyed, not only by the very many locals and holidaymakers who flock to The Devonport, but also by those who make use of the bed and breakfast facilities, there being two en suite bedrooms, created by James and Vanda.

The grade 11 listed pub was built in l740, and at that time was in Devon, as the old boundary between the two counties runs through Kingsand and Cawsand. James said that the deeds show it was originally the Plume of Feathers. The stairs are original, as well as a built in corner unit in the lounge, but the fact the building has been extended many times since l740 means that it has about five different roofs.

Family orientated

One of the most memorable former landlords was a member of the local Wotton family who was also an undertaker. James said he used to lay out the coffins in the area which was the former kitchen.

The delights of Kingsand were emphasised by Vanda, who said that it is a really family-orientated village with a safe beach, and a welcoming atmosphere. She added that there is always something happening in the bay, whether it is a visit by lifeboats or helicopters, the sight of a German submarine, air/sea rescue practices, or visits by foreign warships.

Mouth-watering food, which is home made as much as possible, is on offer at The Devonport, via the usual impressive menu, or the specials board. Meals are available both during lunchtimes, and the evenings, and are always well-received.

Among those tucking in on Tuesday lunchtime were Harvey and Andrea Jay, who live at the top of the hill at Kingsand, and John and June Church, of The Cleave. June emphasised how much she had enjoyed her choice on the menu, and said The Devonport is a regular place for her and her husband to eat.

Apart from the food, which features a great deal of fresh fish in the summer, the pub is also well-known for its quality real ales, which made such an impact James said they became the first pub in the county to be granted the Cask Marque, in l998. This has been updated through regular inspection by real ale experts since then.

He said the pub has had real ales from Czechoslovakia, France, Scotland and the Isle of Skye, as well as other countries throughout the world, these designed to suit a wide variety of tastes.

The Devonport proves to be a draw for a number of groups of people who enjoy the company of regulars and holidaymakers, and frequently tease James.

They even bought him a three cornered hat, because they jokingly said he was a highwayman because of the prices he charges - although that is immediately revealed as untrue, because of the extent to which they eat and drink there. Sunday nights prove to be especially popular because 60s and 70s music is the order of the evening.

Among the customers on Tuesday lunchtime was Colin White, who used to own the Boatel in Kingsand, and who regularly returns to the village on holiday from his Wiltshire home because he misses it so much. He remains honorary president of the local sailing club.

He remembers the pub being revamped, and is among those who enjoyed themselves during a 'mid-crisis party', held during the renovations. Customers signed a disclaimer, and then made the most of the party, held on trestle tables in the middle of unfinished improvement work with a very makeshift bar. James said it was a night to remember.

Barmaid Sian Brend, who lives in Millbrook, has a summer job at The Devonport. She is studying international business and French at a university in Bristol.

On holiday

Among the customers served were Marjery and Terry Hallam, of Nottingham, and their daughter Lisa Boffey, of Staffordshire, who were staying at The Devonport on holiday.

Marjery and Terry regularly holiday in Kingsand, because they have family nearby, and they have been visiting The Devonport for 40 years or more - so are obviously impressed by the Inn, and its location.

Stan Freeston, who has lived in Cawsand since l946 after moving from Polbathic, remembers Mr Wotton, the former landlord, who proved to be a real village character.

He used to order about four pints of milk a day, but drunk it with rum - totting it up every now and then so that the 'milk' became darker and darker as the day progressed.

Stan regularly meets up at The Devonport's bar for a chat with Colin, and with brother-in-law Jan Carhart, who has lived in the village for 22 years since meeting his wife, Bet.