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The oldest pub in Ashburton, built in 1130 to house the workers of St. Andrews Church (opposite the inn) and has remained an inn since that date although it was originally known as the Church House Inn. Behind the bar in what was the old fireplace can be seen the large original millstones and this area houses a granite shelf for the serving of the gravity fed ales. It is reputed that Sir Francis Drake was a regular drinker at the inn on his journeys to London as was Sir Walter Raleigh. Raleigh was arrested at the Exeter Inn and imprisoned in the Tower of London on 19th July 1603, accused of plotting against the king. There are seated drinking areas either side of the entrance hallway in the main bar, which is L-shaped, rustic and wood-panelled. There are smaller seated areas at the rear. Lovely flagstone floored corridor leads to a secluded walled garden outside at the back. A range of local real Ciders are on sale. This pub consistently features in the GBG. Pub is Cashless, accepting card payments only
Restoration
The oldest pub in Ashburton, dating from the late medieval period, remodelled in the early C18 and Grade II listed. It was built to house the builders of the church opposite but has been an inn since its early days. It is reputed that Sir Francis Drake visited regularly and that Sir Walter Raleigh was arrested here in July 1603 before being imprisoned in the Tower of London. Painstaking restorations are sympathetic to the heritage of the building, retaining some of its ancient woodwork, and transforming it into a pub of five small dimly-lit rooms of character. There are drinking areas either side of the entrance hallway and the main bar is L-shaped, rustic and wood-panelled. Behind the bar are the old millstones, in what was one of two genuine, old stone fireplaces, both still present. To the rear are a snug, containing the beer engine that was in the bar, a curved high-backed settle forming a wall and casks on stillage. A flagstone-floored rambling passage leads to a small walled garden. Meals are available and can be accompanied with real ales and ciders.
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This Pub serves 1 changing beer (Could be local, regional or national) and 0 regular beers.
Old Exeter Inn, Ashburton
Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals
Garden
Family Friendly
Dog Friendly
Events
Function Room
Real Fire
Wi Fi
Real Ale
Real Cider
OCR Pub
LocAle
Quiet
Love Cask Beer?
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