Inn On The Green Widecombe

You know that feeling when you’re driving through the English countryside, windows down, wind in your hair, and you stumble upon a place so charming it feels like a secret? That’s Inn On The Green in Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Tucked into the heart of Dartmoor, this isn’t just a pub; it’s a hug in a building. And I mean that literally—the locals are so friendly, you might leave with a new best mate and a dog hair on your jumper.

Let’s start with the food, because, let’s be honest, that’s why we’re here. The menu reads like a love letter to comfort. Think slow-braised beef that falls apart with the gentle persuasion of a fork, and a Sunday roast that could cure a bad week. The chef clearly believes in butter—and I, for one, am a devoted disciple. Pro tip: order the sticky toffee pudding. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and sigh. Dangerous, if you’re on a diet. But who’s counting? Not me. My jeans are still buttoned—mostly.

Now, the location. Widecombe is so quintessentially English, it could be a postcard. The green outside the inn is dotted with sheep who look at you with judgmental superiority, as if to say, “You’re not from around here, are you?” The air smells like heather, rain, and possibility. Inside, the inn is all beamed ceilings, crackling fireplaces, and creaky floors that tell stories. You half-expect a ghost to wander in and order a pint. (If they do, tell them the local ale is superb.)

But here’s the secret sauce: the staff. They don’t just serve you; they welcome you. I watched a barman remember a customer’s regular order from three years ago. That’s wizard-level memory. Or maybe just excellent customer service. Either way, you’ll feel like you’ve been coming here for decades, even if it’s your first visit. And yes, they will absolutely sell you a second pudding. Don’t resist.

Between courses, take a walk. Head up to the church tower (it’s a steep climb, so pace yourself—and maybe skip the second pudding beforehand). The views over Dartmoor are obscenely beautiful. You’ll see rolling hills, wild ponies (they’re not as cuddly as they look; keep your sandwich to yourself), and a sky that seems to stretch forever. If you’re lucky, the mist will roll in, making everything feel like a fairy tale. Or a thriller. Depends on your mood.

CAFE ON THE GREEN, Widecombe in the Moor - 2026 Reviews & Info

So you’ve eaten, you’ve walked, you’ve made friends with a sheep. Now comes the best part: lingering. Sink into a worn armchair by the fire, a pint in hand, and let the crackling flames melt your worries away. This is real relaxation, not the forced kind where you check emails every ten minutes. The Wi-Fi is patchy here—and trust me, that’s a blessing. You’ll find yourself talking to strangers, laughing at nothing, and remembering what joy feels like.

As you leave, the sun will probably be setting, painting the green in shades of honey and rose. You’ll turn back, take one last look at the inn, and smile. Because sometimes, the best things in life aren’t planned. They’re found in a Dartmoor valley, with a plate of sticky toffee pudding and a pint of local ale. So go on—treat yourself. The inn will be waiting. And so will that second pudding. I promise, it’s worth the extra button.