We recently took an outing to a great pub in Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England. So what's the story?
A bit of background on all this…
There was a struggling pub in a village on the edge of Dartmoor who looked like they may have to close. Of course, this is a hub of the community and people wanted to keep it going. What to do?
This place goes back years and was ran for a long time by an old lady affectionately known as 'Aunt Mabel', a legend around those parts and where people would come from far and wide to say hello to the longest serving landlady in the UK (75 years!). Unfortunately after she passed, there was uncertainty over the pub's future.
It is one of these scenarios that's becoming more common where it actually gets bought and run by the community (similar to the The Hour Glass I wrote about a while back). Yes, there are the big breweries who may or may not take a punt, as well as individuals with capital who may want to get involved, but in both cases it may not be financially viable and there isn't that sentimental aspect to keep them interested…
So, queue the whip round! They ended up selling shares for the pub for those who wanted to own a little piece of the action. Now, both my Dad and Uncle used to go on various walks in the area and knew the place well. Unfortunately, my uncle passed away before this all took place but my dad threw his hat into the ring…
… and bought… a share! Yeah, just the one but it was more for a bit of fun rather than an investment. Anyway, they managed to raise enough money and recently re-opened as a community pub.
So my dad wanted to go and visit his new empire ;). He's been meaning to go anyway, and it was high time to take a look. The idea was to drive up, take a short walk around the vicinity, then go for a couple of pints of their finest ales.
And that's just what we did. There were a few of us family members in tow, and having parked up in the pub car park we went for a circular walk. Not far from Drewsteignton is an attraction called Fingle Bridge. Yes, as the name suggests, there's a bridge there as well as woods etc. There were plenty of others with a similar idea and beautiful surroundings.
I must admit that depsite travelling a fair bit to other countries, I haven't done all that much of the more local areas. That's a common thing, but we really should check out more of what's on our doorstep. Granted, you do need to get there (and back) and it's not just up the road, but it isn't all that far away either. And it is well worth it.
Back to the action… following a leisurely stroll, we did indeed get back to the Drewe Arms, and set about our day's mission. After checking out the inside, and what beers were on the board, we settled with a 'Dartmoor Legend'. A tasty treat from these here parts, and it would be rude not to indulge. As it was a decent day, we sat outside and enjoyed our drink and surroundings.
From the Dartmoor Brewery website:
A deeply satisfying taste of Dartmoor, with our award-winning Dartmoor Legend. A classic cask-conditioned beer: smooth, full-flavoured and balanced, with a crispy malt fruit finish, Legend is golden brown in colour with an aroma of fresh baked bread and a hint of spice. Launched in 2010, this modern day beer represents the very best of traditional brewing. Alc 4.4%.
Indeed, a well balanced beer hitting the right blend of thirst quenching and the right level of flavour and colour, and a perfect strength for the situation.
A couple of those down the hatch and off we trotted. Not before chatting with a guy at the next table about all things Exeter… that being a city close to us and where he obviously also frequented a fair bit.
We had another pit-stop on the way home, where we ate lunch and another pint, and then it was homeward bound. My dad was satisfied with his purchase, and we got to see our grand inheritance.
All kidding aside, it was a lovely day out, good weather, company and beer. We will be back to see how they're getting on in due course and get to see more of that amazing countryside. There are people that come down from places like London especially, so I think the Devon folk should get there a bit more.
Cheers!
Images my own or linked to source