'Fairytale' pub with cosy log fires and stream running through the beer garden

A stroll in autumn isn't complete without a cosy stop, and there's one that is well worth adding to your list.

The Bearslake Inn, located at the top of the celebrated Dartmoor national park, boasts a charming cottage ambience and is perfect for visiting during the chillier weather.

Originating as a farm in the 13th century, the Bearslake Inn transitioned into cottages but now stands as a favourite spot for ravenous walkers who wish to nestle in for sustenance.

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This quaint inn is conveniently situated on the side of the A386, a stone's throw south of Sourton village. General manager Luke Fearon, with an impressive hospitality career stretching almost 20 years, expressed his sheer inability to decline the role.

He said: "It was such a stunning venue, I couldn't help but stay. It's such a stunning property and had all the potential of one of the country's best gastropubs."

Describing it in an enchanting light, like a scene from a storybook, Luke speaks of the moors backdrop and the stream that enhances the garden's charm. He likens it to the dream homes featured in competitions, reports .

He said: "It's a thatched roadside inn, nestled against the backdrop of Dartmoor so we've got moors and tors in the background. We've got a garden out the back with its own stream running through it.

"If you've ever seen one of those Omaze houses in Devon, it's exactly like one of those. It's beautifully nestled in all the flora and fauna of Dartmoor."

He has lifted the lid on what punters can expect a traditional pub with tons of character, bursting with features like low beams, big fireplaces, and a classic flagstone floor.

Luke said: "It's a 13th century inn and used to be a farm in its first life. Then it was turned into cottages so inside you get all of that character.

"We've got three big fireplaces, low beams, it's very much a 'mind your head' kind of place. We've also got a fantastic bar area, flagstone floor. Everything that you might expect from a cosy Devon inn."

Owners Julian Tarrant-Boyce and Lisa Jenkins have been at the helm of the heritage-rich hostelry since 2018. They are very hands-on with the daily operations of the rustic retreat, often seen keeping the charm alive themselves.

Luke added: "There's 15 of us in total and the owners are very much hands-on. Julian still pops up at the bar and does all of the line cleaning. Lisa runs all of the accounts and the day-to-day things.

"They've been trying to preserve it. As you can imagine, there's always going to be maintenance needed at a property like this. It's Grade II listed so other than decoration, there's not much that's been changed."

Nestled conveniently along the Granite Way cycling path, the establishment sees a regular influx of walkers and cyclists and becomes a haven for those seeking respite from the winter chill. Luke notes that while business revs up in the summer, the inn remains a welcoming sanctuary for frosty wanderers.

He said: "We see a lot of walkers and cyclists in the summer but less in the winter, unless they're really brave. With our log fires and other bits and pieces, we are such a cosy place. We're super dog friendly as well."

The manager is proud to say that the pub strives to keep its offerings local, especially when it comes to beverages, with a particular focus on Devon ales. The food menu boasts traditional favourites like fish and chips, burgers, and steak, but also features some more indulgent choices.

Luke said: "We only use Devon ales. We work really hard to make sure our supply and produce is local. We run our lunch and dinner menu between Wednesday and Sunday at present because we're into our winter hours.

"The menu is in line with top quality gastropub food. We've got a selection of five or six starters and we've got some snacks. You'll find classics like fish and chips, our take on a burger, a Chateaubriand Dartmoor raised beef for two.

"Desserts are as you'd imagine, we've got sticky toffee pudding which outsells everything else, a fantastic cheese board, a chocolate dessert and a tart of the day."

Currently, the pub operates on its winter schedule until March 31, welcoming patrons from 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm from Wednesday to Saturday, and from 12pm to 10pm on Sundays.