A traditional country pub

Monkleigh, Bideford, EX39 5JS

The Bell is a traditional pub,  dating from the 17th Century.  Situated on the A388 in the village of Monkleigh, it has a thatched roof, classic pub interior and a stunning garden to the rear which is south facing and has views across the local Devonshire countryside. Currently owned and run by husband and wife team Roy and Sally, supported by a small merry band of brilliant staff, we offer at least two real ales, often adding a third guest ale. We source local ales from Dartmoor Brewery, with Legend a staple, whilst rotating others from different breweries, sometimes further afield.  We have also sourced a great wine list, as we firmly believe wine should be as good in a pub as any restaurant. We have some 22 gins, single cask whiskies from the Scottish Whisky society and for the drivers, a range of low alcoholic beers brewed in Suffolk by the Big Drop Brewery, plus a few European lagers. We cater for the caffeine fans amongst us too, with freshly made coffees from beans roasted to perfection in the UK by Montrose Coffee.

​

If you have a special occasion to celebrate, we can cater for parties of up to 40 people. We can provide a set-menu at your price point with a choice of up to three dishes for each course, or guests can choose from our usual menu provided we get get your orders in advance. Many of our larger groups also opt for a carvery, which we can offer for parties of 12 or more. Just give us a call to discuss your plans on 01805 938285.

The food

Served 12.30 to 2pm lunchtimes and 6.30pm to 8.30 pm (9pm on Fri/Sat) in the evenings

Our approach to our food is to offer good pub grub that doesn't cost the earth. We prepare as many of our dishes as possible on the premises, to offer proper, home-cooked meals. Some of our ingredients we have to source from larger suppliers, but we always make sure they are the best we can find! As far as possible we support local suppliers - we buy all our fresh produce from Dart Fresh, a family-run Devon firm that buys  direct from Devonshire farmers (apart from our potatoes, which we buy direct from local farmer Paul, who knows his spuds!) We buy the majority of our meat from our Butcher, Wares of Torrington. Our ice cream comes from Dunstable Farm (or Famer Tom) near Holsworthy, in Devon. We're spoilt for choice on good produce in the area, so our aim is to make the most of it.

Finally, you can't miss our traditional Sunday Carvery - we take real pride in making it the absolute best it can be, with three beautifully roasted meats, a range of fresh vegetables and ALL the trimmings. There is often a competition in the kitchen on who can make the biggest Yorkshire puds and the crispiest pork crackling!

The local area

The Tarka trail, Bideford, Torrington Common, Westward Ho! and Instow - plus much more!

We're lucky enough to live and run a business in a truly stunning part of the country, surrounded by the rolling Devonshire countryside, plus access to fantastic beaches and coastline such as Westward Ho!, Instow and Hartland. We are approximately 1.3 miles from the Tarka Trail, along a very quiet country lane, so an easy detour if you're walking or cycling this popular route. In addition, we are on the TRAMP walking route, which takes you through the local countryside.  We're very dog friendly, and welcome the whole family for a visit and stop off whilst you enjoy Devon.

​

There are plenty of other attractions locally too - you can find a full list on the Visit Devon website.