South Devon Pubs at Christmas
South Devon Pubs Crammed with Christmas Cheer
We’ve picked out a sparkling collection of South Devon pubs opening their doors throughout the festive season…
Roaring log fires, cosy nooks and alcoves, hearty winter warmers, toasty tipples, and lashings of seasonal fayre, South Devon’s pubs and inns are busily stocking their cellars in preparation for Christmas.
Whether you’re looking for a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine after an invigorating winter walk, or a family Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, here’s a list of charming hostelries raring to spoil you with their festive hospitality…
The Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge
Set on the water’s edge at the end of Kingsbridge’s pretty, festoon-lit promenade, The Crabshell Inn is an historic sailor’s haunt that recently underwent a stylish revamp. This popular creekside pub is hunkering down for Christmas with a sumptuous menu full of Yule Tide yumminess. Watch the estuary’s ebbs and flows with a hot toddy at ‘The Crabby’.
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The Bear and Blacksmith, Chillington
Tucked away in the heart of the South Hams lies one of the area’s most discerning pubs. The Bear & Blacksmith can be found in the picturesque village of Chillington and continues to attract glowing reviews from foodies and gastronomes. This popular venue even has its own farmstead and makes a habit of using only the most wholesome, locally sourced ingredients in its hearty dishes. We’ve even had a sneak peek at the pub’s dazzling Christmas party menu (30th November – 21st December) and it’s looking delicious!
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The Victoria Inn, Salcombe
The idyllic seaside town of Salcombe is the setting for our next delightful pub. The Victoria Inn lines the town’s bustling Fore Street and remains one of Salcombe’s most handsome and historic ale houses. Full of cosy corners, this popular free house will once again be cooking up a seasonal storm in the kitchen, serving plentiful festive platters and moreish meals designed to fill you up with cheer. Expect a glowing hearth and a warm and friendly welcome when you cross the threshold of ‘the Vic’ this Christmas.
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Dartmouth Arms, Dartmouth
Next, we travel to the illustrious Elizabethan port of Dartmouth, Bayards Cove to be precise, home to the Dartmouth Arms. This characterful pub boasts gorgeous views of the River Dart and is steeped in maritime history; Bayards Cove was visited by the Mayflower in 1620 where it carried out repairs ahead of its iconic voyage to Massachusetts – as commemorated by a bronze plaque opposite the pub. This friendly waterside bolthole has a reputation for scrumptious grub and crisp ales, a lovely place to rest those weary legs after a winter walk or a bout of Christmas shopping. Next year will mark the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s epic crossing and Dartmouth will be hosting a series of events and celebrations in recognition of the Pilgrim Fathers’ pioneering endeavours.
The Cott Inn, Dartington
Nestled in the enchanting South Devon village of Dartington, The Cott Inn is one of the region’s most historic and distinguished pubs. With its undulating thatched roof and whitewashed walls, the inn has maintained much of its traditional charm. Inside, the low beamed ceilings and cobbled stone walls create a cosy, timeless ambience… add a roaring log fire and twinkling fairy lights and you’ve got the quintessential Christmas setting. The inn’s ample Christmas menu is full of delights, from the traditional roast Devonshire turkey dinner – with all the trimmings – to exquisite and wholesome vegan options. The medieval town of Totnes lies only a couple of miles away, famous for its bustling Christmas market and artisan shops.
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Breaking News…The Cott Inn has been announced Great British Pub of the Year 2019, having impressed judges with its ‘stunning facilities and impeccable standards’.
The Millbrook Inn, South Pool
Winner of the ‘South Devon Good Food Dining Pub of the Year 2019’, The Millbrook Inn sits on the quiet shores of South Pool Creek, one the county’s most idyllic locations. Foodies and gastronomes flock to this characterful corner of the South Hams, all keen to indulge in the pub’s perennially popular menu full of dishes prepared from only the freshest and most wholesome locally grown ingredients…enough to add season’s cheer to those dark winter’s evenings. This year’s Christmas menu is filled with old festive favourites and exciting twists… with the proof in the Christmas pudding topped with brandy cream!
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The Ship Inn & The Swan Inn, Noss Mayo
On the ebbs and flows of Newton Creek in Noss Mayo sit two adorable harbourside pubs. The Ship Inn is a charming ale house dating back to the 1850s, an idyllic sailor’s hidey-hole and cosy pit-stop for walkers exploring the local coastal paths. A short stroll away, on Pillory Hill, you’ll find the Swan Inn. This handsome pub boasts incredible views of the harbour and has a reputation for fabulous home-cooked food and a menu crammed with pub grub classics – ideal for those chilly December days.
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South Devon Pubs and Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
The Steam Packed Inn, Totnes
Totnes’ historic boat building quarter provides the location for our next South Devon pub; a stylish riverside inn with a long-standing reputation for exceptional hospitality. The Steam Packet boasts stunning views of the River Dart. During summer, people flock to enjoy its spacious sun terrace, and when winter chills they gather by the fire in the handsome saloon or take a seat in the pub’s chic open-plan restaurant to tuck into some delicious seasonal food. The Steam Packed is offering an indulgent three course menu throughout December, and for those of you hoping for a relaxed Christmas Day, you can make a reservation for Christmas dinner. The popular pub will also be open for you to raise a toast from 12pm – 3pm on Christmas Day (bar only).
The Royal Oak, Meavy, Dartmoor
Surrounded by endless walks along the rushing rivers and ancient tors of Dartmoor, The Royal Oak Inn remains one of the county’s most popular upland outposts. Named after an historic English oak rooted on the nearby green, this 15th century free house is a real gem. The pub’s festive menu is an impressive three-course banquet that will satisfy the most ravenous of Christmas appetites. Walkers and ramblers love to rest their tired feet at this cosy, countryside pub, a welcome sight on a chilly moorland day. Pop in this winter for a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine, the halls will be decked with boughs of holy and the wood burning stove will be roaring. The Royal Oak will be open for food from 12pm – 6pm on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, and the bar will be open all day, and you can even pop in for a Christmas Day drink from 12 – 2pm on the 25th.
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The Castle Inn, Stoke Gabriel
Take a trip to the rolling hills and grassy meadows of Stoke Gabriel, a delightful village set on the banks of the River Dart. Here you’ll find The Castle Inn, a grand creekside venue and a popular focal point for all seasons. Several scintillating walks can be enjoyed along the tranquil riverbanks, and a hearty menu awaits all those in need of some post-walk sustenance. The pub is gearing up for another busy festive calendar bringing sumptuous food and Christmas cheer to both its visiting guests and its steady stream of regular punters. On the 25th, The Castle Inn will be serving a three course Christmas dinner, complete with Prosecco and canapes, so all you have to do is book your table, then eat, drink and be merry. You’ll struggle to find a more scenic setting for your Christmas lunch.
Sloop Inn, Bantham
South Devon village pubs don’t come more idyllic than the 14th century Sloop Inn in the pretty seaside village of Bantham. This popular haunt is only a gentle stroll from a fabulous sweep of golden beach that’s backed by rolling sand dunes. Well-known for its succulent seafood menu and impressive range of cask ales, The Sloop provides a welcome journey’s end for many a winter beach walker; its wood burner blazing and its kitchen busy serving up seasonal pub classics, from homemade stews and broths to traditional fish ‘n’ chips and hearty basket meals. This year, The Sloop Inn will also be open on Christmas Day, serving a delicious three course meal, canapes and fizz. Booking is essential, so don’t delay if the thought of stuffing a turkey isn’t filling you with joy.
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The Village Inn, Thurlestone
Rumour has it that the beams in The Village Inn, Thurlestone, were salvaged from the wreckage of the Spanish Armada, such is the pub’s rich and colourful history. But gone are the times of rum-swilling sea dogs, these days the inn is a stylish village focal point with a sophisticated menu and tastefully stocked bar. Encompassed by stunning coastal walks, this lovely ale house joins the region’s long list of dog-friendly pubs. As the nights draw in, where better to hunker down, whet your whistle, and tuck into some glorious home-cooked food. The Village Inn will be serving a three course Christmas menu from 2nd – 20 December, and on the big day itself, you can make a reservation for their six course Christmas Day lunch.
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The Tradesman’s Arms, Stokenham
From one pretty village pub to another… hidden away along a leafy lane in Stokenham, overlooking the village green, The Tradesman’s Arms is a 14th century cottage pub in the heart of the South Hams. A mile as the crow flies lies the iconic shingle sweep of Slapton Sands and the gleaming waters of Start Bay, the pub enjoys a typically relaxed Devonian ambience and prides itself on its cosy and family-friendly atmosphere. TIf you don’t fancy cooking Christmas dinner yourself, The Trademan’s Arms is open on Christmas Day and will be serving a festive feast – but make sure to book early to avoid disappointment.