The Dartmoor Inn

Description

It’s an unspoken rule that all walks on Dartmoor must be marked with a hearty pub lunch and a local tipple and this 16th century inn, a short detour from some of the National Park’s best trails, ensures the long-held tradition continues. Winter pursuits around nearby Lydford Gorge are rewarded at The Dartmoor Inn with seasonal classics such as Creedy Carver duck with creamy mash, forest-green kale and red wine jus (plus a cosy spot by the crackling open fire if you’re lucky). In summer, it’s the offer of Jail Ale battered hake, triple cooked chips and a tall G&T that tempts passers-by off the path and onto the patio. New owners Jay, Tess, Andrew and Jo took over in July 2019 and wasted no time in making their mark on the oak-beamed, slate-floored coaching inn. The menu changes daily depending on what the local producers have in season, though Jay’s dishes tend to centre around tried-and-tested flavour pairings such as glazed pork cheek with apple and sage, and whipped goat’s cheese with beetroot and hazelnut. Puddings are of the hunker-down-for-winter variety – think unctuous sticky toffee pud, decadent dark chocolate mousse and boards brimming with local cheeses. And it’s not just ramblers who make the trek to this corner of the mighty moor to refuel and relax. The friendly staff, crowd-pleasing food and easy-going atmosphere make it a popular dinner destination with Lydford locals, and visitors staying the night in one of the cosy bedrooms upstairs. Each of the three individually styled rooms, named after the Tors around them boast luxurious beds, a seating area, flat screen TV, coffee machines and a fridge with fresh milk. All bathrooms have a shower over the bath. The restaurant is featured in the Michelin Guide, being awarded a Michelin Plate. On offer in the morning is a home cooked breakfast with various choices available alongside a selection of continental delights - all locally sourced of course!