CULMSTOCK.

This pub is 300 years old and sits right on the River Culm just off the B3391. Dont be put off by the external appearance of this pub, one inside the decor is very welcoming and is much like any gastro pub, which is what this is at present. There are bare dark boards and low lighting (candles on the tables). There are a number of rooms, only two of which have direct access to the bar. These are the original spaces and have a mixture of tables and chairs. There is for example a large round tables in the bay window with bench seating - which means you will have to share it unless in a large group. You can also hang your coat up here, it would also probably be safe to do so. There are newspapers here and a real fireplace, used in winter. Old pictures are dotted about the walls and there is also writing on them here and there. The second room is bigger and goes to the back of the pub. Here there are more intimate seating arrangements and a large blackboard above the fireplace with the food menu on it. You will also find lots of chilli bottles here too (check the BBF dates though). A smaller part of the single length bar is here, but this is really where the food part starts. Beers on are varied and there is usually three to four on at any one time. A paddle in the main bar has the pump clips of beers on stillage ready to come on. You also tend to get served directly out of the barrel too which makes a change. Choices come from mainly local breweries, but some from further afield. There is a selection of lagers, but the real prize is the wine, from real French vineyards rather than from a supermarket. Farm cider is available, this is Devon after all. Now for the food, locally sourced if possible and cooked to order. This is not bar food, but gastro pub food, cooked by the owner who always comes and asks you how you found the food.  There are a choice of helping size and includes mussels, Lebanese flatbread parcels, etc. Prices range from £7 to £11. Check the level of choice if travelling out on a Sunday. Although smoking is allowed, they tend to discourage you in the eating areas. In addition to the pub area, there is a back room with toilets that is now used as an eating area and is a bright yellow colour and minimalist in decor. Despite the food, this is not a pub just for eating and it has a strong local following who just go for the beers. For the summer there are tables overlooking the bridge and the River Culm. There is accommodation here - £50. By the way, they don't take credit cards, so come prepared. Children are also welcome away from the bar and if eating. Dogs are also welcome as they have their own which roam the pub at will.

The Ilminster Stage can be found just off the M5 on the Devon/Somerset border. Come off at junction 27 and take the A38 towards Wellington. After a couple of miles you will see the turning to Culmstock as you pass back over the motorway. Go through the village and at the far end take the left turn to Hemyock. The pub is opposite the Church. The Inn was built in the 17th century as a coaching stop or stage, stands at the head of the ancient and picturesque village of Culmstock. It retains many of the old features that give the building it's unique and friendly atmosphere. The bar area is divided into two distinct areas. The lively public bar with it's pub games and local characters and the quieter lounge. Both have real log fires. The real ales at time of visit were: Bass, Wadworths 6X, Exmoor Fox. The 30 seater restaurant is separate and ideal for cosy intimate dining. There is a bar snack menu and a full a-la-carte evening menu supplemented by a chalk board showing the specials of the day. Where possible, all food is prepared on the premises using local fresh ingredients by Peter or Jenny who are both qualified chefs with a wealth of skills and experience. Prices are good too: home-made soup of the day £2.25, Greek salad £3.95, Thai and Indian Curries from £5.95, Steak and Kidney Pudding £5.95, 16oz Rump Steak £8.95, Chicken Royale £7.25, home-made desserts from £2.50. Weather permitting you might choose to drink or dine in the courtyard or beer garden. The old walled garden is a sheltered "sun trap". There are three guest rooms, all of which are en-suite and have magnificent views of the famous church with it's 200 year old yew tree growing out of the top of the tower. The rooms have been re-furbished this past year. Two doubles and a family room with a double bed and twin bunks. All rooms are en-suite with w.c. and either bath or shower. The Three rooms have magnificent views of the Church of All Saints and the glorious rolling Blackdown hills, including Culmstock Beacon (the largest remaining SSSI in the Blackdowns). Rooms cost £17.50 per person for double occupancy, £20.00 for single occupancy, £50.00 for the family room with up to 2 children. All prices include a full English breakfast. A discount is also possible on block bookings. You can also book online at pete@culmstock.demon.co.uk