Historic frolics meet tasteful contemporary chic in fine style at the super-pretty Methuen Arms, where a characterful collection of cosy nooks and crannies or space for all in the elegantly inviting dining rooms are supplemented by a magical alfresco courtyard complete with fairy lights, heaters and sheepskin-lined seats. Gorgeous? You got it! And if you want to turn the MA experience into a staycation, 19 recently-refurbished rooms are each uniquely boutique enough to offer both loved-up couples and families with their four-legged friends in tow alike a very warm welcome, let alone a dreamy sleep. Meanwhile, on the all-important food front…

The Methuen kitchen has recently welcomed a brand new chef to the hob – and Kevin Chandler seems to be right at home already. A keen advocate of locally sourced, seasonal, sustainable ingredients, Kevin makes pretty much everything on his menu from ingredients that are all pretty much all on his very pretty doorstep – and those menus waltz effortlessly from upmarket classic gastropub fare (gourmet scotch eggs; fabulous fish and chips; impeccably sourced steaks; et al) to classy, chef-driven but wholly accessible inspirations.

Superstars of the current menu include Kevin’s beautifully-presented take on Brixham crab on toast (which comes with an absolutely divine tempura oyster) followed by mains of meaty monkfish tail in a semolina crumb served with silky little globules of proper gnocchi, braised fennel and rainbow chard, and supremely succulent loin of pork served with the all-too-infrequently encountered supporting cast of Pan Haggerty and brawn cake. Portions are generous enough to negate the necessity for sides, but should you – like us – feel a bit “too much is not enough” when you visit (which you must, and soon), the sautéed garlic’n’parsley greens are garlicky enough to keep the most ardent vampire at bay; in a word, lush.

Kevin’s dinnertime delights offer supreme confidence in the fact that even his lunchtime sandwiches (including Salt Beef Brisket and – yes! – a fish finger buttie) will be distinctly upper crust treats too, and as for the puddings: if you don’t plump for the Sticky Toffee Pudding made with Medjool dates and served with both rum caramel and clotted cream or the Chocolate Brownie/almond and sea salt ice cream/chocolate and caramel mousse combination, you’re seriously missing out. But whatever your preferred pudding persuasion (or otherwise), you seriously mustn’t miss out on the Methuen Arms – it’s honestly, properly marvellous.

Opening hours
BAR OPENING TIMES Mon-Sat: 09:00-21:30; Sun: 12:00-20:00
KITCHEN Mon-Sun: 12:00-20:00