Royal Oak

If you’re tired of the original gastropub concept of a tarted-up boozer then this ancient thatched inn in the Exmoor National Park is for you. Set in a picture perfect village, the traditional, warm interior puts the emphasis on comfort. As for the food the ethos is simple: fresh ingredients & constantly evolving food & wine menus. Starters might include duck liver parfait with red onion marmalade or French onion soup; mains might be Devon Ruby rib-eye steak, or pork chop with bubble and squeak. Game is a speciality – the inn hosts shoot lunches in winter – & Exmoor game pie or cold roast partridge with beetroot salad and Cumberland sauce are typical choices. Puds range from the light (banana parfait) to the full on (sticky toffee pudding). As one might expect from a country pub, the drinks list is all-encompassing, with real ales from the local Exmoor Ale brewery & a good choice of wines.