Review on The Masons Arms
Hidden away down tiny tortuous Devon lanes, but only a leisurely ten-minute stroll from Branscombe beach, the fourteenth-century Masons Arms looks an absolute dream from the outside – and it doesn't disappoint once you have walked through the door.
The bar is a classic rustic mix of exposed stone walls, slate floors, beams fashioned out of ships' timbers and open fireplaces, plus a serious line-up of West Country real ales and scrumpy cider. Six brews are regularly on show, including star names like Otter Ale, Branoc from the nearby Branscombe Vale Brewery and Exe Valley Devon Glory.
Foodwise, the menu is an upbeat selection of pub dishes, taking in locally caught lobsters and crabs, joints of meat spit-roasted over the open fire, and specialities such as smoked Dartmouth duck breast with marinated baby figs, a trio of Devon sausages with bubble 'n' squeak, and apple crumble with custard.
Alternatively head for the main restaurant, which is now housed in a separate building away from the pub. Here the kitchen raises its game for modern dishes with a strong Anglo-French accent: seared West Country scallops might be served with lemongrass and caper dressing, confit of aromatic duck leg appears with truffle oil mash, pear compote and baby carrots, while 'the conclusion' could involve white peach pannacotta with apricot compote or caramelised banana and maple syrup tarte Tatin with toffee ice cream.
The Masons Arms is also featured in: Hardens, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Gastro pub / Anglo French
Chef
Mark Dodson
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.15pm
Dinner: 6.30 - 9.00pm
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express