The Northmoore Arms

Visited April 2012.
Excellent old fashioned Devon pub that you remember from the 70’s. If fact it clearly hasnt changed in decades. Small, a couple of snug rooms, the main bar has an enormous log burning in the grate. Its furnished with an assortment of old wooden chairs and settles. A few small tables and a larger one that a small group can eat at.
A warm welcome from Curley the landlord who is genuinely pleased to see you and has a beaming smile and a witty way with him. There’s plenty of energy in there for such a laid back place. Curley also deals in other stuffthere’s currently a large WWII gun with a 15′ barrel, a Wallace and Grommit old bike and side car, oh and open horsebox in the car park, though the horsebox doubles as the smoking shelter. I get the feeling that things could get pretty lively and possibly a little surreal if you are lucky, and Id love to be around for new years eve.
The bar has plenty of locals, real Devon farmers, old tweed, old money and bellowing like they are shouting across a 50 acre field. But very friendly and include you in the banter.
The food was very good, one had omlette and chips, comes with large freshly cut salad, also a very good rib eye steak, large and tender, medium was still pretty pink so glad I didnt go for rare. Certainly no risk of overdone steakall good. Not surprisingly it took good 20 mins to arrive, all sizzling with crispy chips and homemade real onion rings. Other diners had fish and chips which was clearly generous and straight from the fryer.
My friend enjoyed his cask ale, and it does seem a popular watering hole.
Would I go back? Yes ! Next week if I can, and will take family visiting from Australia in the summer.

It’s a straightforward proper pub full of country pub atmosphere but don’t go looking for it in Exeter as its in a village called Throwleigh near Okehampton over 20 miles from the City.

Oooooo! This is one of the best pubs anywhere. It’s a very, very old pub indeed. Cooks a mean shank of lambI’m afraid I’ve not been impressed with the veggie option, a sort of spanakopita with apricots. Meat dishes are much better. You get a log fire on the hottest days of the yearprobably due to the very thick stone walls. Handle the landlady with care — she’ll see through anyone hoighty-​toighty. I love the place for her, the atmosphere, the food, the beer. I have taken many people to the place and everyone has been surprised and delighted. It’s never seen an interior designer. It’s all honest and good. They’ve been building a few guest rooms at the side of the pub. Now this would be good fun! I’m always driving, so I’d enjoy enjoying a bit more of their ‘hospitality’.