The Linny at Coffinswell

A thatched building in Coffinswell thought to date from around 1368, originally built as two farm cottages. When the cottages fell vacant in 1954 villagers petitioned for a pub, were turned down, and formed a members' country club instead - The Linny Club opened on 3 July 1954, taking its name from linhay, the local word for a barn or outbuilding.

Inside, exposed beams, low ceilings and a log fire keep that farm-cottage feel intact, and the kitchen serves quintessential British food built on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, including fresh fish from Brixham. Steaks and seasonal roasts come up often as reviewers' favourites, with generous portions rather than fussy small plates. It's a proper dinner destination rather than a passing-through pub, worth booking ahead for given the size of the dining room.