Review
Dartmoor Halfway Inn, Bickington

Since its renovation, the Dartmoor Halfway Inn has received a welcome return from customers, who include a good mix of locals from the nearby moorland towns, plus passing trade, given its proximity to the A38. With nicely presented rooms and a campsite to boot, you can even stop a while.

It’s retained some of the classic features we love about a traditional pub, including dark oak-beamed ceilings and an ornate wooden bar. Yet there’s now a retro style, with 50s-inspired low-slung chairs and ornamental camping and caravanning decorations.

I arrived with my two kids, Toby and Charlotte, and my friend Alice. We were immediately drawn to the conservatory area and the kids ran outside to enjoy the safe and secure playground. Children (and dogs) are welcomed.

Service was excellent thanks to the friendly professionalism of Assistant Manager, John, and the food did not disappoint. I had the smoked salmon and beetroot to start, served with the sweetest of pea shoots – a perfectly balanced combination of refreshing and light flavours. Alice had the warm goat’s cheese salad – a generously portioned starter.

The children’s meals arrived at the same time: cod goujons and chicken nuggets to keep the little ones satisfied.

For my main course, I thoroughly enjoyed the monkfish and king prawn curry with fluffy white rice – it had just the right amount of heat from the chillies. Alice had the sea bass fillets with crushed potatoes, fennel and vine tomatoes – all perfectly cooked – with a crispy skin on the fish, and a sweet taste from the tomatoes. For pudding, we shared the hot chocolate fudge cake with ice cream – an indulgent end to a delightful meal.