• Devon

The Farmers Arms

The Farmers Arms, Woolsery, Bideford, EX39 5QS

A new kind of traditional Devon pub

Imagine the dream dining pub: a creative chef crafts sublime dishes; its own farm supplies the homegrown, reared and foraged produce; an innovative drinks line-up utilises handcrafted cordials and own-infused spirits, and it’s all complemented by accommodation that mixes vintage glamour with modern luxury.

A visit to The Farmers Arms (part of The Collective at Woolsery, a curation of village enterprises from tech entrepreneurs Michael and Xochi Birch) combines all of the above, and is going from strength to strength as the team further develop the farm and gardens that stock the pub kitchen with hyper‑seasonal produce.

Dine in any of the three beautifully rustic dining rooms, or bag a table in the garden courtyard to feast alfresco on head chef Ian Webber’s reinterpretations of British classics. The own‑reared lamb, pork and hogget are notable highlights on a menu that’s elevated further by daily picked veg, fruit and herbs.

On Sundays, plump for a family‑style lunch (meat or veggie) to gorge on a waistband‑stretching morgasbord of roast favourites such as Exmoor beef brisket, indulgent cauliflower cheese and proper yorkshire puddings.

Trencherman’s tip: Make a weekend of it by booking one of the gorgeous suites or rooms above the village shop (also part of The Collective at Woolsery) or push the boat out with a few nights in one of the three ultra‑luxe cottages.

About The Farmers Arms

3 course dinner from: £35

Chef(s):Ian Webber

Seats: 50

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