The Cricket Inn

Beesands sits at the end of a lane between Kingsbridge and Dartmouth, on a mile-long shingle beach with a Blue Flag and fishing boats still landing the catch. The pub at the heart of it has been modernised without losing the plot: nautical touches, black-and-white photographs of village life and historical artefacts on the walls. The South West Coast Path runs past the door, which explains a good deal of the trade.

The bar is light and airy and stocked with fine wines, quality gins and local ales and ciders, from a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to a Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva. The restaurant holds an AA rosette for its seafood-led menu, and there are seven refurbished bed and breakfast rooms upstairs. Dogs get water bowls and biscuits in the front bar; the bar, restaurant and a downstairs toilet are wheelchair accessible. Come in warmer weather and sit outside for Start Bay at sunset.