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Devon: Drake Manor Inn

Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton , Phone: 01822.853892
www.drakemanorinn.co.uk

Reviewed by: Panda from England, review #2934

When: 2008

Charming 16 Century pub with restaurant in pretty Devon village. Simple, hearty food using local produce at reasonable prices.

Directions: Buckland Monachorum and previous village Crapstone are signposted off the main Plymouth to Tavistock road (A386). Windy and narrow lanes so good map and/GPS advised. Postcode for positioning PL20 7NA

Set in the centre of charming Buckland Monachorum village, the 16th century Inn has two entrances: the left leads to the main bar and the right to the two small and rustic dining rooms.

There is a main menu (as shown on the website) but also an extensive seasonal specials board. Although the starters looked tempting, my friend told me firmly we were going to be having dessert, so we went straight to the main courses from the specials board.

I had very tender lamb, served with sauté potatoes, mixed vegetables and a port sauce: she had the lemon sole , with similar accompaniments. Both portions were substantial, and I could see why she had steered me away from starters! I noted later, from the website, that the local lamb is supplied though Howell’s Butchers, which I have always known as one of the best in the local town.

For dessert, my friend had apple tart and I had crepes in orange. Be warned: desserts are served in large portions, with clotted cream and ice cream ! They are very fond of thick clotted cream in that part of Devon – my arteries were saved by my dairy intolerance, but it did look yummy on the plate.

For our two courses, plus one large glass of white wine, one large orange juice, after dinner tea and coffee we paid just over £18 each, plus a tip for the very charming service. It isn’t fine or elegant dining, but good quality ingredients cooked simply and well.

Drake Manor is very popular with the locals, as well as the annual influx of tourists, so I would advise booking for the evening, even during the winter months and especially on the weekend.

Not far from the village is a National Trust house, Buckland Abbey, once the home of the seafarer Sir Francis Drake. It is a lovely place to visit: in the spring/early summer the marked trails though the grounds and the woods are full of daffodils and bluebells and there are often events on there. It would make a good day out in conjunction with the Drake Manor Inn; there is also an excellent tea room at the Abbey, which serves lunch and snacks, including a traditional scones and clotted cream tea in case you can’t wait for the cream at dinner!

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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