{AD} The largest town in the Dartmoor National Park is Ashburton, it sits at the southeastern end, not too far away from Totnes and Buckfastleigh. Apart from being the location of the prestigious Ashburton Cookery School and the final residence of renowned poet and novelist Stevie Smith. It is also the home to The Old Exeter Inn.

This pub celebrates British cuisine, especially the classic pie. Their handmade pies are made with shortcrust pastry and filled with gourmet ingredients. In addition to pies, they also serve a variety of other traditional pub dishes, along with an extensive selection of local ales and beers.

The pub makes a strong claim to be the world’s oldest freehold pub, having been built in 1130 AD for the workers who constructed the church of St Andrews across the street.

The building is packed to the roof full of history. For a history buff like me, this is a big plus as this was the pub in which local hero Sir Walter Raleigh was arrested before being detained and executed. A pub that was a favourite of both him and Sir Francis Drake.

Sir Walter Raleigh was arrested in 1603 on a charge of treason issued by King James I.

As the captain of the soldiers sent to arrest him approached, Raleigh supposedly finished his ale and acknowledged what was about to happen. When formally placed under arrest, Raleigh raised his tankard in a salute to the captain before surrendering peacefully. 

An open fire and a pint would make this a destination that would be a perfect visit over Christmas just for the ‘olde worlde’ vibes alone. The historic wood panelling gives the pub strong cosy vibes.

The Old Exeter Inn is a top destination for beer lovers, being featured in the Good Beer Guide for the last 25 years! Beer is poured straight from the barrel as they sat atop their granite stillage. There is a rotating selection of ales and beers from across the UK as well as local classics.

The friendly welcome from the bar staff was the first thing that struck me when we visited; it was the first time in a while I’d felt genuinely ‘welcomed’ into a pub for a long while. The service was so attentive throughout our experience, and not just to us but to other diners, too. Top notch.

Let’s talk about the pies. They do a large range of handmade pies, all on a bed mash or with chips; they even have both! We ended up with mash and chips, it was nice to get the full potato-based experience. Also, the irony isn’t lost, given Walter Raleigh’s employee Thomas Harriot brought the potato to England. I chuckled at this to myself as I nibbled on some crispy freshly cooked chips, soft on the inside and dipped in the gravy that came with my pie; they were a perfect accompaniment. 

I went for the Minted Leg of Lamb (£18.95)

Cooked overnight, the leg of lamb is cooked with mint in a redcurrant & rosemary gravy encased in a ‘celebrated’ short-crust pastry case filled with a flavourful centre. It was a good pie, and when I cracked open the pastry, it steamed back at me satisfyingly, and with my non-alcoholic beer too, it topped off the meal nicely. The filling was flavourful with a good taste to the Lamb, it oozed perfectly and even though I didn’t pour the gravy over the pie (I’m weird with gravy), the pie was moist and full enough that I didn’t need to.

Tori went for the Orchard Pig & Chicken (£17.95) – Breton-style chicken & outdoor-reared gammon in a white wine, leek & parsley sauce. With organic pork crackling with added Sausage. There were heaps of veg with both pies – lots of gravy on the side and pies with sumptuous insides. Tori’s crackling had a perfect crunch to it; I feel a revisit is needed for their Sunday pies, too.

If you’re visiting, come for a canine-friendly pub, a large selection of beers, lagers and ales (including Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone) and live music. There is no TV or background music – it’s about the community a pub creates, making connections and enjoying delicious pies in a historic setting.

They have events throughout the year including a ghost walk soon, perfect for Halloween!

Before I forget, one of the pub’s highlights is that there is a Secret Garden in the back where diners can sit, making it an ideal sun trap during the summer. One of the main car parks is located about five minutes away. Since the building is quite old, please contact them directly if you have any mobility needs before your visit.

Visit their website for menus and news:

https://oldexeterinn.com/