I didn't know of The Masons Arms in Devon before my trip, but as soon as I looked at their website, I knew I wanted to eat there. The reason? Owner and chef Mark Dodson was the Head Chef at The Waterside Inn for 12 years. Now, as Michelin watchers will surely know, The Waterside Inn has held 3 Michelin stars for 26 years which means that Mark was Head Chef for effectively half of Waterside's most decorated period. Mark took over The Masons Arms in 2005 and achieved a Michelin star in 2006. Over time the menu has evolved and the food is currently both refined and smart, but with a certain homeliness to it. And Mark's Waterside heritage is clearly evident on the plate, which, as fans of the Inn, we find it simply fabulous. And as these restaurants tend to be, it's a family affair, with front of house run by Mark's wife Sarah who was absolutely charming throughout and the perfect person for the job despite coming from a very different line of business ahead of this venture. I felt very w
Very lucky to visit this gorgeous pub today. We booked for lunch and they had a menu for a la carte and a separate set menu at a really reasonable price. The set menu had 2 options for each course with some good vegetarian options. Myself and my partner got a different item each and shared, such a good way of sampling a lot of the menu. A highlight for me was the cheesecake, I don't normally have a sweet tooth but it was delightful and so many different components. It was ideal that we were able to take our dog with us, we booked a few weeks in advance. Staff were super friendly and service was good. Definitely would revisit if we were in the area again. Outstanding food quality and you could tell it was very fresh.
Travelled out to Knowstone during a break nearby for a special lunch for our wedding anniversary. We had the set lunch menu which I felt was great value. The star of the show for me was the lamb with Arancini main, the waitress told us it was the first time it’s been on the menu and I feel incredibly lucky that we opted for this day so we got to have it! Perfectly balanced, beautifully tender lamb with a nutty wild rice arancini and the jus tied it all together perfectly. The wine suggestions were excellent also, perfectly paired. I would come back in an instant if it wasn’t so remote, but will definitely recommend to everyone!
Lovely little pub and restaurant; amazing food, good atmosphere and great service. Would highly recommend a visit, it may a little bit out of the way, it’s definitely well worth making the effort for. Hope to visit again soon!
Wonderful. Didn’t stay so cant comment on rooms. We had an amazing dinner for my husbands 70th. Food was lovely. Highly recommend
A warm welcome when we arrived after a mile walk in the rain from our B&B. We sat by the fire and the landlady said we wouldn't be walking back - she'd drive us! Amuse-bouches by the fire; arancini starters good, butternut squash ok. Good value wines. Petits-fours excellent. And in the end the chef himself drove us back after finishing his main course duties! A lovely evening.
A fantastic meal with friends - the food was delicious: I went with the scallops starter, monkfish in parma ham main and the British dessert selection for pud. We all had a taste of each other's choices as well, with the lamb and beef fillet also standing out! The views from the dining room are lovely and the staff brilliant - relaxed, efficient and clearly enjoying their work. We will definitely visit again!
exeactive Sports Massage Helen Hunter
+5
Lovely lunch and staff, really enjoyed it. Liked the little touches like the bred oil whiles waiting for the starter and vinegar and petit fours after
Beautiful! Chose from the set menu and each course was gorgeous. Generous portions, well presented. Each table is called through to restaurant individually so chef is never overwhelmed so service great. Drinks prices reasonable. At the end of meal opted for a cafetiere of coffee which came with petit fours. A steal at £4 pp! Definitely visiting again.
Great service, great food, lovely wine in a rural location in deepest Devon near Exmoor.
Amazing food, great service and a lovely setting. I will definitely be visiting again
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