The Nobody Inn, June 2000

Somewhat harder to find than the average pub, but then again it is buried in the maze of winding lanes in the pleasant green Devon countryside and is the perfect rural retreat. Even so, its not as remote as some pubs in this guide and is only a handful or so miles from Exeter as the crow flies. Probably the best way to find the pub if you're not feeling confident enough to find you're way through the lanes from Exeter is to take the A38 towards Plymouth and when you reach the B3193 take the option that doesn't go to Chudleigh. We obviously ended up in Chudleigh somewhat confused and eventually turned the map upside down, turned the vehicle around and proceeded northward until we found the Doddiscombleigh sign directing us off to the right. I'd certainly recommend that you follow the Multimap or Streetmap links to the left of this description and hopefully you'll get there without too much trouble.

We certainly agreed that it was well worth the hour or so that it took to find the pub, it's a real oasis for real ale, wine, food and a very relaxing atmosphere. It's mentioned in just about every pub guide, so I guess that it's no surprise that it appears in mine also. I guess like the other guides I should mention how the pub got its name. Well many years ago the landlord of the time used to lock the door and when visitors knocked he would answer, 'Nobody In!' Fortunately though those days are long gone and this lovely beamed 16th Century inn has much more friendly feel about it! I did do a little research on the name of the pub and back in 1890 when the Ordnance Survey compiled their First Edition map of the area it was called the New Inn so there may be some folk around that remember the unwelcoming landlord!

The pub is a free house and the current licensee Nick Borst-Smith is perhaps most well known for his wines with towards 1000 in the cellar. It must have one of the most impressive wine cellars in the country. Around 20 are listed on a board and are available by the glass and full tasting notes are available if you need them. Nick is also a wine merchant and you can buy wines directly from him. He also has an impressive collection of malt whiskies.

Anyhow, this is a guide to great beer in great pubs, and you won't be disappointed as Nick knows how to keep his beer well too. I tried the house beer, produced down the road at the Branscombe Vale brewery, a lovely pint. He also offers another local brew from the Teign Valley brewery and a guest beer.

I must also mention the food. They've an excellent range of home-made dishes to suit all tastes. I had a lovely slice of cold pork and apple pie with salad, perfect for a summer's evening. They've a wide range of imaginative dishes including local ostrich and fish dishes. You might fancy cheese, and they've a huge selection available which you can even buy and take home if you wish. The restaurant is open every evening and is no smoking but bar food is also available every lunchtime.

They've also accommodation available in the pub though I don't think that they encourage children.

All in all an excellent establishment well worth hunting out and the food and drink was no comparison to the motorway service area microwaved whatever and standard issue 1.8 cup capacity pot of tea.