The Church House Inn, Churchstow, Kingsbridge, Devon
The Church House Inn is a lovely traditional village pub, steeped in history and full of character, in the sleepy village of Churchstow in the South Hams. The building dates back to the 13th century when it was built as a rest house for Benedictine monks from nearby Buckfast Abbey; legend has it that they weren’t averse to a spot of smuggling and that there was a secret tunnel from beneath the main entrance to the church just a stone’s throw away. Echoes of the past are evident in the thick stone walls, inglenook fireplaces, low ceilings and beams, beams and more beams; the old wooden settles, log fires and friendly service add to the charm.
The menu changes with the seasons, with all dishes made using locally sourced produce, including fish and seafood from the day boats that land at Plymouth and Salcombe, fruit and veg from local farmers, herbs grown in the raised beds at the back of the pub, and ice cream from Salcombe Dairy.
From the sample mains menu are Church House Inn Fish soup with 'prime day boat' fillet of fish, River Fowey mussels, local scallops, samphire & new potatoes, Salcombe Meat Co. steak burger in a toasted brioche bun, with Monterey Jack cheese, tomato, lettuce & gherkins, served with chips, and Goan sweet potato & spinach curry with rice & naan bread. They do a cracking Sunday roast and there’s a menu for children with some more grown-up choices besides Crispy fish goujons and Sausage & chips.
The great thing is they serve breakfast from 8:30-10:00am every day except Monday and Tuesday when they’re closed, so you can get up and wander in for whatever takes your fancy. Kick start your day with a Church House Inn fry up, Smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, a Belgian waffle with berry compote and yoghurt, or their own mixed Granola with dried fruits, grains and treats.
When the sun is shining and the temperature’s rising, sit outside in the garden. Life is rosy at the Church House Inn, it all seems pretty perfick.
Open: Weds, Fri & Sat 8:30am-10:00am and 5:30pm-11:00pm
Thurs 8:30am-10:00am, 12:30pm-2:30pm and 5:30-11:00pm
Sun 8:30am-10:00am and 12:00pm-4:30pm
T: 01548 852237
All information correct at the time of writing