The Farmers Arms

The initial inspiration for a far more ambitious village project that became 'The Collective of Woolsery', the Farmers Arms may occupy a magnificent 17th-century building but it’s very much a 21st-century pub. The enterprise also includes a 150-acre farm that provides the place with rare-breed and heritage meats as well as just-harvested fruit and vegetables – hyper-seasonal produce that's beautifully realised in the hands of Ian Webber (former head chef at Gidleigh Park). A traditional 'pub menu' offers everything from venison Scotch eggs with sloe jelly to chicken and ham pie with leek and tarragon mash, followed by visually stunning desserts such as coffee trifle with mascarpone cream, coffee jelly and woodruff parfait. Alternatively, trade up to the fixed-price ‘farm menu’ which brings more elevated contemporary ideas such as line-caught Clovelly mackerel with pickled courgette, yellow submarine tomato and fig leaf. ‘Very pleasant and attentive staff always give you a great welcome’, while drinks feature locally brewed ales, homemade cordials and seasonal cocktails, plus a slate of well-chosen wines. Live music on Sunday evenings is a summertime bonus.