A characterful 450-year-old harbour inn with standout mussels, shellfish and views, though service consistency, parking and dietary handling warrant planning.
The Anchor Inn delivers solid food quality anchored by strong seafood and traditional pub fare, elevated by a genuinely appealing waterside setting that makes the harbour location feel integral to the experience. Inconsistency in execution, particularly with sides and certain preparations, prevents a stronger grade, though friendly service and knowledgeable allergy handling keep it reliably welcoming for most visits.
The Anchor Inn is the sort of place where the building does much of the welcoming: an old Cockwood harbour inn filled with oak beams, maritime memorabilia and a terrace for watching boats and passing trains. Reviewers describe a cosy, sociable atmosphere and a location worth travelling for, while the narrow approach and scarce parking are the price of admission. One recurring impression is of a relaxed coastal pub where "the harbour view is half the meal." The kitchen is seafood-led rather than experimental, with nine mussel preparations, generous shellfish platters, crab, prawns and fish pies alongside dependable pub classics. Mussels and shared seafood are the strongest bets, often praised for size, freshness and abundance; however, a minority of diners report uneven chips, watery curry, tough shellfish or specials that did not justify their price. Service is generally warm and knowledgeable, but can lose momentum after the main course or become disorganised when busy. Families are well catered for by the current children's menu: chicken goujons, battered haddock, sausage and mash, and macaroni cheese all provide familiar choices at £8.95-9.45. The wider menu also includes vegan and vegetarian dishes, although allergy handling has produced conflicting reports over time, so coeliacs and dairy-free diners should confirm procedures before ordering. Seafood-loving families will be especially comfortable; very picky eaters may prefer the children's menu rather than the more specialized shellfish offerings.
Area vibe: Coastal, rural and village-focused with scenic estuary views and maritime history.
Safety: Quiet village roads with low crime but limited street lighting and quieter after dark.
What's nearby: Near the Exe Estuary, small harbour, countryside footpaths, and country pubs; nearest larger town is Exeter.
The strongest orders center on the nine mussel dishes and generous shellfish selections, with several solid alternatives if seafood is not your priority.
The harbour setting is appealing, but limited parking, a narrow approach and occasional service or allergy-handling issues are worth planning around.
Expect a characterful coastal pub where oak beams, nautical details and harbour views make the setting nearly as important as the meal.