Cridford Inn

Heritage enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven here, where researchers have pieced together a remarkable history dating back over a thousand years, putting a 9th-century longhouse on the site before a modern rebuild took place in the 13th century. A mosaic floor in the Vanilla Pod restaurant and what is probably the oldest surviving window frame in a secular building add immense warmth and character, as do the rough stone walls, old fireplaces and the general atmosphere of this architectural treasure, which has medieval masons' marks still visible above the bar. The only chill in the air may be from the ghost of a nun (the place also served as a nunnery), whilst the shadow of a cavalier is also occasionally spotted abroad. This picturesque thatched inn crouches like an owl below towering trees near a brook in the Teign Valley just a brace of miles from Dartmoor National Park; a pretty terrace is an ideal summertime spot to mull over the alfresco lunchtime dishes with a pint of local Teignworthy bitter. Quite apart from the fine destination dining of the chic Vanilla Pod restaurant, the bar menu boasts dishes prepared from the finest Devonshire ingredients and changes regularly to reflect seasonal largesse - chargrilled 8oz Occombe Farm sirloin steak with cognac and wild mushroom cream sauce, and pan-fried Gressingham duck breast with Seville orange, rosemary and cranberry jus. In the Vanilla Pod, start with avocado, Teignmouth crab and tiger prawn cocktail, followed by estate game such as pan-fried haunch of Teign Valley venison with braised red cabbage and red wine and thyme jus, or pan-fried local sea bass with fennel chips and tomato relish. Specials and vegetarian choices are on the blackboard near the bar. Dogs are welcome in the bar. Booking for meals may be required.