The best pubs in Devon: traditional inns worth a visit

Devon has plenty of places for a proper pub stop, from old coaching inns and thatched village locals to waterfront bars with strong links to the county’s maritime past. The choice is wide — the British Beer & Pub Association counts 1,183 pubs across Devon — but the most interesting ones tend to combine a sense of place with local beer, cider and food. Around Plymouth, the Barbican is a natural starting point, while Dartmoor, the coast and the county’s villages offer a different kind of pub experience.

In Plymouth’s Barbican, The Fisherman’s Arms on Lambhay Street sits above the Mayflower Steps, with part of the former Plymouth Castle incorporated into the building. It serves cask ale from St Austell Brewery, local drinks and a broad whisky selection, alongside dishes such as Mr Jones’ Ale Pie, Fisherman’s Gumbo and battered cod and chips. The pub is named after Mr Jones, its resident Miniature Schnauzer, and its own ale is brewed by Plymouth’s Summerskills brewery. Food is served Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm, with Sunday roasts from 12pm to 6pm; drinks run until 11pm every day. Reservations can be made on 01752 268243.

A short walk away, The Minerva Inn on Looe Street is described as Plymouth’s oldest continually serving pub, dating from around 1540. Its history includes stories of press gangs, hidden passages and a staircase said to be built around a ship’s mast. The pub keeps the atmosphere informal, with a real fire, St Austell Tribute, guest ales from breweries including Dartmoor, Salcombe and Summerskills, and live music three nights a week. It also runs a Thursday jam session and a Monday quiz. For another Barbican option, The Crown & Anchor occupies a former merchant’s house dating from 1690 and has seating overlooking the Mayflower Steps. Its menu covers traditional pub dishes, seafood, vegan choices and Sunday roasts, while the pub also hosts acoustic entertainment, DJs and live sport.

Away from the waterfront, The Hyde Park at Mutley Plain has more than 150 years of history and was designated an Asset of Community Value in 2013. Its drinks list includes three regular real ales, around 15 draught lagers, ciders, stouts and pale ales, plus a gin bar with more than 300 premium gins. The pub serves homemade food throughout the day and has a covered terrace, garden, live music and dog-friendly areas. At West Hoe, The West Hoe offers a large beer garden, two regular beers and a changing locally sourced beer. Open-mic nights, quizzes and a monthly comedy night are part of its regular programme.

For a different setting, Le Vignoble in Royal William Yard is a wine lounge and merchant rather than a classic ale house. It has more than 180 wines according to one listing, with 36 available by the taster or glass through Enomatic machines; tasters start at 60p. Continental tapas, charcuterie, French cheeses, local bread and craft beer make it suited to a slower drink. The venue also holds tastings and wine courses.

Beyond Plymouth, Devon’s traditional inns spread across the county. The Masons Arms in Branscombe is a 14th-century thatched pub near the Jurassic Coast and Branscombe Beach, with low ceilings, stone floors and an open fire. It won the South West category at the 2023 National Pub & Bar Awards. On Dartmoor, The Castle Inn in Lydford has crooked walls, slate floors and exposed beams, while The Rock Inn at Haytor Vale combines an 18th-century country-inn setting with local beers and wines. The Cott Inn in Dartington is another historic choice, occupying a thatched building dating from the 13th century.

Coastal pubs bring their own character. The Rising Sun Hotel in Lynmouth is a 14th-century thatched inn overlooking the harbour, serving real ales and dishes including local game and Lynmouth lobster. In Hope Cove, The Hope and Anchor looks across Bigbury Bay from its fishing-village setting. The Instow Arms, close to Instow beach, focuses on seasonal pub food, freshly caught fish and Devon beef, with a terrace for warmer days. These places show the range of Devon’s pub scene: maritime, rural, historic and still closely tied to local produce.