Take one dreamy, thatched thirteenth-century cottage pub on the fringes of Exmoor, add a whiz-kid chef from the Waterside Inn, Bray, and allow to settle for six months. The result? An unlikely, but thoroughly deserved addition to the Michelin's starred list.

Mark Dodson and his family arrived at the Mason's Arms in June 2005 and have rapidly worked their way up the gastro pub ladder; their progress has been keenly monitored in various quarters, but there's no denying that they have put fine food top of their agenda.

There are Devon beers on tap and a huge fireplace complete with a bread oven in the bar, but the serious business takes place in the green-walled dining room at the back of the pub. One menu offers a handful of daily specials, the other is a 15-dish carte of modern restaurant dishes cooked with assurance, maturity and effortless flair.

On the main menu you might find escalopes of foie gras with warm passion fruit dressing, followed by fillets of John Dory with veal sweetbreads, potato pancakes and cep cream or a trio of lamb with ratatouille and confit garlic and thyme jus. Needless to say, everything depends on reliable supplies of West Country produce.

The specials board could take in a plate of Somerset smoked salmon or scallops with fennel and orange salad, while desserts might involve iced anise parfait with blackcurrant coulis or pineapple and shortbread mille-feuille. The Mason's Arms also sports a very decent wine list with a good spread and fair prices.

The Masons Arms Knowstone is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Good Food Guide, Hardens, AA Guide

Rate this Restaurant

Modern European

Mark Dodson

Lunch: 12.00 -3.00pm Tue-Sat (12.00 - 2.00pm 1st Sun in month)
Dinner: 7.00 - 9.00pm Tue-Sat

Visa, Master Card, American Express

• Alfresco dining
• Partial disabled access
• Private parties
• 28 covers

Private parking is possible at a location nearby