01 September 2006

The Mason's Arms, Knowstone, Devon

In Devon for the bank holiday weekend, and wondering how to fit in a decent meal out that hasn't been booked solid for months. We decided to try the Mason's Arms at Knowstone, on the grounds that it might not be too well known yet, and it wasn't too hard to get to despite the heavy traffic. We'd heard they'd gained a Michelin star. The Mason's Arms is useful for anyone driving along the North Devon Link Road A361 - only 5 minutes away.
It's an olde worlde pub in a tiny village, with a dining room built on the back looking over the fields below. The dining room is unusual, with the ceiling covered in frescos.
As it was Sunday lunch, there was no a la carte, but a 3-course, 3-choice set menu. We tried the scallops and the ham hock terrine, followed by roast sirloin beef and belly pork. Puddings were a trio of strawberries and a chocolate hazelnut parfait.
Coffee was served with homemade fudge.
Throughout the presentation was first class.
We had a truly super meal, but the best thing about The Mason's Arms was that it seemed to have retained its status as a pub. The restaurant was first class, but had not taken over the pub to the exclusion of real ale, log fires, dogs and locals.

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