Charming village pub with hearty British cooking, friendly service, and quality local ales; a solid choice for Sunday roasts and walks, with occasional slow service and limited light-lunch options.
The Durant Arms delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality anchored by praised roasts and pies, paired with reliable service attentiveness and a charming village setting that draws repeat visitors. Occasional consistency variations and service speed constraints during busy periods prevent grade A territory, though the pub's warm community character and loyal following make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood establishments.
Set in a postcard South Hams village, The Durant Arms feels warm and welcoming with a log fire, polished local ales, and a neighborly crowd of walkers and regulars. Reviews praise the easygoing team and note that it can be lively on Sundays yet calm midweek. One diner summed it up: "A genuine village pub where you are looked after and fed well." The cooking leans classic British with care—think roasts, a proper pie, and chips people rave about—balanced by a few gentle global touches like Goan chicken and Burmese beef. It is comfort-forward cooking over culinary theatrics, with quality ingredients and portions that satisfy after a country walk. Most visits are smooth, though a few note slower service when the team is stretched and the odd off-night with tough meat. Families are welcome and will find plenty kids will recognize: burgers with skinny fries, roast dinners, simple starters, and crowd-pleasing puddings. There is no explicit kids menu mentioned, but the mains are adaptable; for picky eaters, stick to burgers, roasts, or the cauliflower cheese. Parking can be tight in the village, so arrive a little early.
Area vibe: Quiet South Hams village setting popular with walkers and countryside stays; traditional, community-focused vibe.
Safety: Generally safe rural village with steady foot traffic from locals and walkers; well-kept and low-risk.
What's nearby: Near Sharpham/Dart Valley walking routes; destination for Sunday roasts and ale; limited immediate commercial services.
Roast beef, the 'proper' pie and the Durant burger are the dishes people return for.
You should book for Sundays, arrive early for parking and be prepared for occasional slower service.
Think cozy village charm with a log fire and lively Sunday energy.