Sophisticated Dartmoor dining

There are countless country inns where you can rock up at the bar in your wellies following a moorland yomp. But for those seeking something smarter than post-hike pub grub, The Dartmoor Inn strikes the balance between cosy bar and smart restaurant – and has made a name for itself among savvy foodies seeking contemporary Dartmoor dining.

Since taking over the pub in 2019, chef Jay Barker‑Jones and wife Tess (front of house) have been racking up the awards. The pub has recently won Silver at both the South West Tourism Awards and Devon Tourism Awards, and was a finalist for Front of House Team at the Trencherman’s Awards 2023.

In the kitchen, Jay focuses on crafting refined fare which is served in a thoroughly unstuffy setting. His ever-developing menus reflect what’s in season and produced locally. For a taste of Dartmoor, opt for starters like tender wood pigeon accompanied by jerusalem artichoke, hazelnut, mushroom and blackberries, followed by superstar mains like glazed pork belly with sage and onion sausage roll, spring vegetables, mustard emulsion and apple.

The culinary offering also includes a cracking seafood selection: dishes such as Atlantic cod with cauliflower, coconut, curry broth and coriander are manna for fish fans.

Trencherman’s tip: The drinks experience is as carefully crafted as the food. The list has recently been expanded to include more cocktails, wines by the glass and non-alcoholic options, while speciality coffee beans roasted down the road at Okehampton’s No.1 Coffee make for quality post-dinner caffeination.