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Sportsmans ArmsB+Worth Trying

Name: Sportsmans Arms
Address: Blackawton, Totnes TQ9 7DE, Totnes, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.6

Blackawton, Totnes TQ9 7DE · Pub · 4.6/5 Google (1036 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating

A bustling country pub known for generous Sunday carvery, family-friendly spaces, and solid pub classics, with occasional execution lapses and a few service tone misfires.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Sportsmans Arms delivers dependable country-pub dining with strong food quality anchored by a well-run carvery and attentive, efficient service. Consistency challenges—occasional steak doneness misses and sauce lapses—prevent grade A territory, though the countryside setting and family-friendly amenities make it competitive with respected local favorites. Families particularly benefit from the play area and generous portions.

Restaurant Summary

Set on a rural ridge above Dartmouth, this is a country pub where the car park is busy, the fire is lit, and plates come out hearty. Diners describe friendly, efficient service, a cosy, bustling room, and a carvery line that runs on time. One guest summed it up: "Worth the drive for a hot roast with fresh veg and huge Yorkshires." Families note the play area and garden views, with space in the marquee when the main room is full. The kitchen leans classic rather than flashy: roasts, fish and chips, burgers, pies, and pizzas, with portions to match the countryside appetite. The approach is comfort-first cooking over innovation, so expectations should be set for well-executed staples. Most praise focuses on the roasts and battered fish, while a minority mention steak doneness misses or a sauce misstep. Prices feel fair for the area and quantity, especially on roast Sundays. For families, this place is particularly easy: a dedicated kids menu, space for buggies, and an enclosed play area earn consistent praise. The menu offers child-friendly items like burgers, chicken fillets, battered cod, macaroni, and Margherita pizza. Reality check: policies can be firm around child-sized carvery portions for adults, so discuss needs ahead of time if you require smaller servings.

At a Glance

Generous, well-run Sunday carvery with fresh, hot sides
Family-friendly with enclosed play area and large garden
Good value for hearty portions and rural setting
Occasional execution lapses (steak doneness, burnt gravy, small halloumi portion)
A few reports of brusque service or rigid policy enforcement

What Sets It Apart

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enclosed_kids_play_area
large_car_park_with_campervan_friendly_policy

What People Love

Hearty carvery meats and veg
Relaxed, cosy country pub vibe
Space for kids to play safely
Efficient service during busy periods
Large on-site parking

Points of Concern

Steak doneness and onion rings occasionally overcooked; consider requesting preferred doneness clearly
Pricing quibbles on pizzas and soft drinks; halloumi fries portion felt poor value to some
A few guests felt rushed for desserts at turn times; Sundays are tightly scheduled
Policy rigidity on child-size portions for adults may not suit specific medical needs

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£28-40 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For vegetarians: Nut Roast carvery or Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli.
For pescatarians: Beer Battered Cod, Scampi, or Fillet of Salmon.
For kids: 4oz Burger, Chicken Fillets, or Battered Cod from the kids menu.

Perfect For

Sunday roast with the family
Group gatherings after a day out
Casual countryside dinner
Holidaymakers near Dartmouth campsites

Location Insights

Area: Rural hillside near Dartmouth with countryside views, popular with families, campers, and holidaymakers.

Safety: Generally safe rural setting with steady footfall; ample on-site presence and lighting typical for countryside venues.

Nearby: Near campsites (Woodlands Grove, Hillfield), road to Dartmouth, large beer garden and marquee attract travelers.

BlackawtonBlackawton is a small, picturesque village near Totnes characterized by its traditional rural English charm. The dining scene is centered around local pubs and country inns offering hearty, family-friendly meals often featuring local produce and classic British fare.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–22:00 Tuesday12:00–22:00 Wednesday12:00–22:00 Thursday12:00–22:00 Friday09:00–22:00 Saturday12:00–22:00 Sunday12:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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