The George Inn in Hatherleigh is another lovely local pub, serving traditional pub food attentively made. First built in about 1450, The George was a wonderful historic building until a recently-sacked employee burnt it down just before Christmas in 2008. A few bits of furniture were saved, but most of the fabric of the building was lost. However, it has been completely rebuilt in the original style, and now pitches itself as a newly built coaching inn.
The George in Hatherleigh is about 8 miles from Wheatland Farm, right in the middle of this small west Devon town. You can’t miss it. Want to ring and ask a question? The George’s phone number is 01837-811755.
This is a spacious largely open-plan pub with a proper kitchen that prides itself on producing good food. If you’re into local food, well there’s no Devon provenance mentioned on the menu. The pub website does claim to use local food, but everyone says that these days don’t they. (If you want really local food, especially well-treated meat, you can’t do better than Fiona’s farm shop cafe, just up the road from Wheatland Farm. There it’s more good cooking and less fancy restaurant).
One good thing about needing to rebuild is accessibility – there are double doors from the street, level access to the bar, and no steps between the bar and the disabled loo – not something you can say for all traditional Devon pubs. Parking can be a bit tricky on the street, but there is a car park around the back. That way involves steps though.
Ian and Maggie had lunch here in spring 2018. We enjoyed it. However, we have to say we then went down the road to Cafe du Ville, also in Hatherleigh, for coffee and cake, because that’s the best coffee we’ve found. Anywhere. Ever.