The Cleave, Lustleigh

Pleasantly surprised on my first visit here for a couple of years. The pub has changed hands a couple of times since my last visit, and the atmosphere is much improved. It was nice to be served by someone with a local accent, and there were several locals at the bar, not always the case in the pricey villages of Devon. The village now seems to have the pub it deserves.

25 Sep 2010 16:47

The Ring of Bells Inn, North Bovey

On the face of it, this place should be the pub of your dreams. 13th century thatched hostelry in one of Dartmoor's prettiest villages. However, on the couple of occasions I've been in it, it's proved to be something of a letdown. If you closed your eyes, you might think you were in west London. It seems to be frequented by a bunch of city traders. Unfortunately, they're probably the only people who can afford to live there nowadays.

Oh, for the sound of a Devonian accent!

16 Sep 2007 14:47

The Old Thatch Inn, Cheriton Bishop

Badly damaged by a fire in 2006, the pub has recently re-opened after being closed for about a year.

Thatched roof (you might have worked that out for yourself), black slate floor, decent selection of beers, a very pleasant pub inside and out.

The pub stands out for two reasons. Firstly, the really friendly staff. Secondly, the food is outstanding, though maybe a couple of quid a meal more expensive than the average for the area.

From my experience (four visits in as many years), the vast majority of visitors go there to eat rather than just for a drink, so it's probably more of a pub for tourists than for locals.

All in all, a very nice pub.

16 Sep 2007 13:31