Yarcombe Inn, Honiton

A village pub dating from the 13th Century with a 16th Century extension. Allegedly the house was once owned by Sir Francis Drake. It is on the old A30 and was used as a coaching inn for many years.  Recently refurbished inside, it now consists of an open plan bar in the main part, which features exposed timbers, bow windows and an original chimney breast with a woodburner.  The older part of the building is down some steps and is now a restaurant room, though it was in chaos when we visited as they were still doing works.  There is a separate skittle alley upstairs, though we didn’t get to see it.  Parking is at the front, while there is an enclosed garden at the back.  The ambiance was great – good background music, heat from the fire and a good conversation with the landlord all made us feel very much at home here.  The freshly-cooked food smelled delicious, though we didn’t eat due to time constraints.  Ales on were Tribute and Hicks from St Austell, while sadly the other two pumps were dry and reverse-clipped.  I’d very much like to come back here to eat and sample a couple more ales, especially given that this is a strong candidate for GBG21. 

Under new ownership they hope to have the Yarcombe Inn up and running for the Terrier Racing at the beginning of August.

Official site of the Yarcombe Inn, contains menu - www.yarcombeinn.com

Have often stopped here for a 'swift one' on the way to Exeter but it was beginning to get run down. New owners and a lick of paint made a lot of difference but sadly it closed. The villagers of Yarcombe now run this inn as a community venture and it is hailed as East Devon "Pub of the Year" for 2011. Good range of well-kept ales. Above average. Ignore the previous 10/10 - that was before it closed and it never was THAT good!

Official site of the Yarcombe Inn, contains menu - www.yarcombeinn.com