Sidmouth? Pah. Other seasides are available.
Whitby. Broadstairs . . .
Though I haven't been near Sidmouth for the past five years (because of one thing or another but mostly just one) and thus have little clue nor authority to speak on the subject.
I first went in 1960 (or thereabouts) to dance with a school troupe. To my chagrin, we couldn't get into pubs at all despite having no problem back in Newcastle as long as any scrap of uniform was not visible (also not a problem) so it was probably us who instituted the tradition of playing as loudly as possible on the prom to drown out any GEFFs who'd left the Bedford window open
It's quite useful knowing just what happens in each pub and, therefore, where to avoid. Most places, actually. During the two decades up to the mid 90s I did just that with unqualified success.
I'd only step into the Radway if I'd practised for six months beforehand and that's unlikely. And not to bash a bodhrán and sing Shores Of Erin (not that this is likely either).
In fact, I probably won't ever go again. And who will care? No-one, I shouldn't think.