What would you want the best pub in Devon to be? Somewhere to find fantastic food? A quaint country cottage chock full of West Country charm? Or just a top-quality boozer jam-packed with local ales? Well, whatever your answer, we’ve got you covered. From seaside smugglers inns to award-winning gastro-pubs, we’ve scoured the spectacular South West county to bring you the best pubs in Devon for food, for country feel, and for an all-round good time. If you see anywhere you like, why not make a trip of it, and check out our superb selection of
nearby. If you’ve left everything a little late, but are still dreaming of a superb South West getaway, worry not, just check out our
.
Traditional pub grub with a gourmet twist
11am - 11:30pm
01271 890322
Rock Hill, Georgeham EX33 1JW
Nestled near
, this beautiful, bustling bar is the pride of North Devon. Stunning inside and out, it’s home to handsome half-planked walls, a snug stone fireplace and a beautiful beer garden. What this quaint country spot is really known for, however, is its traditional pub grub with a lavish gourmet twist. Serving up some of the best noshes in the West Country, the extensive menu ranges from comforting homemade pies to decadent seafood platters and sinfully sumptuous chocolate fondant. Most meat is locally sourced from the nearby butcher, apart from its perfect pork, which the pub rears itself on the outskirts of the village.
Meeting the locals
8am - 11pm
01271 890349
Hobb's Hill, Croyde, Braunton EX33 1LZ
What do you see when you think of a real country pub? Thatched roofs? Lively local music? Maybe low-beamed ceilings, a roaring open fire, and a room full of chirpy, cheerful locals? Well, this quaint, cosy, character filled cottage serves up the lot and throws in a beautiful suntrap terrace to boot. The centre point for the famous
, a visit to this historic spot is a bit of a rite of passage in Devon. Not to mention, the food is excellent, the beach is nearby, and the bar’s chock full of luscious local ales. Do we really need to say more?
Beautiful bay views
11am - midnight
10598 753223
Harbourside, Lynmouth, Devon, EX35 6EGSet on the south west coastal path, overlooking
and
, this 14th-century smuggler’s inn serves up some of the best views in Devon. No less beautiful inside, its beamed ceilings, stripped stone walls and a roaring open fire make up the idyllic image of a quaint country pub. It’s no wonder that this stunning spot has been popular with poets and writers over the centuries, hosting the likes of RD Blackmore, and Percy Shelley. Today, it is almost always filled with a smiling selection of locals and tourists, sampling its impressive array of Exmoor cask ales and award-winning food.
Award winning nosh
12pm - 2:30pm, 6pm - 11pm
01398 341231
Knowstone, South Molton EX36 4RY
If you close your eyes and conjure up a warm, welcoming village pub, you’ll probably picture something similar to this stunning 13th-century inn. With its thatched roof, rustic wooden furnishings and huge log fire, it really is the definition of cosy. However, while the decor might be quaint, the food certainly isn’t. This award-winning, Michelin Star spot serves up some truly exceptional cuisine. While it’s fresh, seasonal ingredients are plucked from the local Devon countryside, its reputation for precision and quality has spread across the United Kingdom.
Feeling like a local
11:30am - 11pm
01404 861252
Upottery, Honiton EX14 9PN
When we think of a trip to one of Devon’s charming country pubs, we picture well worn wooden furnishings, beautiful low-beamed ceilings, and cosy cushioned furniture in front of a roaring log fire. If you’re like us, then this stunning stone walled spot will tick all of your boxes. Nestled in the
, amongst the rich, wild East Devon countryside, it’s everything you could ask for from a country pub. Home to local food, local beers and local faces, it’s the perfect place to dive into Devon’s rich countryside culture and really feel like a local.
A boozy night out
12pm - 2am
01392 277279
50 New N Rd, Exeter, EX4 4EP
This bright, buzzing spot very nearly made our pick for East Devon’s best pub for food, thanks to its vast, varied, and most importantly, mouthwatering, assortment of rustic pub grub made from delicious local ingredients. Even better than its top-shelf selection of food, however, is its brilliant booze. Widely acknowledged as one of the county’s best ale and cider pubs, its assortment of amazing alcohol means it’s always jam-packed with locals and tourists alike.
, exciting events, one of the most vibrant atmospheres around, it’s well worth a visit year round.
Quality french cooking
12pm - 11pm
01548 531581
South Pool, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2RW
Taking a seat in this charming, tiny pub means immersing yourself in the English countryside. However, while your setting is the very definition of Devon, the extensive, imaginative, mouthwatering menu will take your tastebuds on a tour of Europe. Indulge in perfectly prepared parfaits, ravishing risottos, sumptuous smoked sausages, or a soul-soothing French vegetable stew. Not to mention, this quaint cottage is also home to an impressive selection of real ales, ten malt whiskeys and a whopping 21 wines by the glass, enough choice to please even the fussiest drinker.
An unbeatable beer garden
12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 9.30pm
01803 863777Cott Ln, Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6HE
Born way back in 1320, this historic South Hams spot happens to be the second oldest inn in Britain. As if that wasn’t enough of a claim to fame, the quaint country cottage also boasts the longest thatched roof in the country. But, history aside, this stunning spot has much more to offer than a fancy ceiling. Beneath its vast thatched roof, its cosy stripped stone walls play host to
, an extensive selection of local ales, and some top quality pub grub. Best of all, however, is its expansive beer garden. As the sun starts to fall, its stunning outside area becomes one of the most beautiful spots in Devon.
Being beside the seaside
12pm - 10pm
01803 327110
Babbacombe Beach, Torquay, TQ1 3LX
Set inside
, a short way from
, this stunning seaside inn is one of South Devon’s grandest drinking spots. Brimming with coastal charm, the pub combines the luxurious quality of a seaside resort with the charming character of an English Inn. A favourite destination year round, during the Summer months, the sun-trapping shelter of Babbacombe Bay is ideal for sitting back above Devon’s stunning shores. In Winter, cosy, hobbit-style chairs and roaring log fires provide the perfect place to curl up away from the cold.
A peaceful meal
11.30am - 2.30pm, 6pm - 11pm
01822 820221
Lydford, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4AY
Nestled in the
, on the fringes of Dartmoor National Park, deep inside an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this quaint and cosy inn is as serene as its surroundings. Inside, the decor is homely, relaxed and comforting, making patrons feel like their dining in their own home. Don’t be fooled by its domestic atmosphere, however, as you can expect much more than simple home-cooking here. The award-winning menu boasts a range of mouthwatering classics, made from the freshest local ingredients.
A classic country pub feel
11am - 10.30pm
01822 852944Meavy, Yelverton PL20 6PJ
We’re not the only ones raving about this quaint country cottage, as it was the official winner of 2018’s Country Pub of the Year. Home to an incredible selection of local food, local ale, and local hospitality, this terrific tavern takes its name from the 800-year-old oak tree that sits on the green opposite. Inside, low-beamed ceilings, red plush banquettes, and wholesome wooden furnishings make the bar look like it was plucked from an English postcard. Best of all, however, is the selection of well-kept real ales and sumptuous scrumpy ciders. Recognised by the Good Beer Guide for over 10 years, there’s sure to be a brew for every drinker.
Snuggling away from the outside world
11am - 10pm
01822 880208
Postbridge, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6TA
Snuggled deep inside
, and chock full of delightful Devon charm, this character filled pub once served as the local watering hole for the nearby tin mining community. Today, the 19th-century moorland inn is a refuge for walkers, exhausted from their hike through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Home to open fires, rustic furnishings and dim, atmospheric lighting (powered by the pub’s own generator), it has the feel of a real safe haven. The perfect place to forget the rest of the world over a pint of local ale, and a hefty helping of its county-famous homemade Warreners Pie.