09 Jul Where to eat and drink
“People who love to eat are always the best people.”
So said the great Julia Child, and I must agree, although I would probably add a tipple in there too! Here is my round-up of the best places to eat and drink around Melrose Cottage.
PUBS IN OKEHAMPTON AND SURROUNDS
The London Inn, Okehampton – a local favourite, serving traditional pub grub and putting on events like live music and showing sporting events.
The Fountain Inn, Okehampton – a quaint riverside pub, with a nice outdoor terrace.
The Kings Arms, Okehampton – a friendly local pub with a good old fashioned pub atmosphere.
The White Hart Hotel, Okehampton – a wetherspoons pub with plentiful indoor and outdoor seating.
The Pump and Pedal, Sourton Down – a pub and bike shop alongside the Granite Way, within easy cycling distance from Melrose Cottage. Serving Pizzas and often putting on events like live music, this
The Tors, Belstone – a pub set in Belstone, a picturesque, moorland village on the northern edge of Dartmoor. This pub serves great tasting burgers, and you can drink your pint on a picnic table with unrivalled views across Dartmoor. Or, in winter time, by a cosy open fire.
The Kings Arms Winkleigh – a delightful village pub in nearby Winkleigh, built in the 1700s it has a traditional thatched roof. There is even a 16 seater courtesy bus for those going there from outside the village.
Taw River, Sticklepath – in the heart of renowned moorland village of Sticklepath, this is a traditional English village pub. While you are there, it is worth visiting the National Trust Finch’s Foundry, located just on the other side of the road.
RESTAURANTS IN OKEHAMPTON
Brothers – serving steaks, burgers and other treats like meze platters, this is our favourite place to eat out in Okehampton itself – only 5 minutes walk from Melrose Cottage.
If you fancy something a bit lighter, grab a comfy sofa at the fully licensed Toast Coffee House, Okehampton and order a salad or panini for lunch (but beware you might be tempted by their sweet treats like the seasonal Pimms Cake they had recently). Otherwise, Grant’s is also a great bet for a light lunch under the big umbrellas in Red Lion Yard. If you’re planning on going for a spot of cycling on the Granite Way, Granite Way Cycle Hire Cafe is just on your way up the road to get there/come back – why not stop for a coffee or light lunch.
If you’re craving a curry, try Ma’ida, Okehampton or Rajpoot – both local favourites.
FINE DINING
Oxenham Arms, South Zeal – A historic pub in the nearby village of South Zeal, which is over 840 years old ! You will be dining whilst surrounded by living history in this former medieval Benedictine monastery, which became famous as the birthplace and home of the pirate Captain John Oxenham. Despite all of this history, you will be focussed on the food as it is top notch!
The Dartmoor Inn, Lydford – this is a traditional 16th century inn, serving seasonal classics. An ideal combination is to explore Lydford Gorge or one of the nearby Dartmoor walking trails, then grab a cosy spot by the crackling open fire and feast on a hearty pub lunch.
The Three Crowns, Chagford is a delightful traditional pub in Chagford, Devon. Ask for a table in the delightful atrium, which is flooded with natural light. We have found that the regularly changing menu, based on fresh local ingredients caters well for vegan friends and others with dietary requirements. You should not leave Chagford without going for a stroll around the historic stannary town and boutique shops.
Lewtrenchard Manor, Lewdon (20 minutes drive from Melrose Cottage) is excellent for a special occasion or anniversary. You might want to treat a loved one to the tasting menu with a wine flight or opt for the table d’hote menu. The surroundings are just as worthwhile coming for. You will be steeped in history, sitting in a wooden panelled dining room within this Jacobean manor hotel dating from the 1600s.