Some of the best pubs in the country can be found along the River Dart, as well as an award-winning vineyard with a restaurant. They are where they are in order to be accessible from the river and travelling by boat remains the best way to reach them. No wonder making a pub stop is such a popular inclusion in a Canoe Adventure. Please see the information below to help you plan yours.
NB. Most of our trips start and end at the Maltsters Arms, Tuckenhay, or in Stoke Gabriel by the River Shack so, even if a pub stop is not part of your Canoe Adventure itinerary, you can still make it part of your day out.
Most of our trips start and end at the excellent Maltsters Arms, so instead of jumping straight in your car after your Canoe Adventure, give yourself time to relax over a drink on the quay or inside, both of which have great views over the flood-lit creek.
They have a long, traditional, pub bar inside with good wines, local beers, and everything you would expect from a good pub, plus an excellent menu. Fish is their thing, but not exclusively, and the kids menu is real food like the grown-ups get.
They also offer accommodation. You don't actually need to go anwhere else!
This is their website which includes links to their menus, and here they are on Trip Advisor.
Traditional, tiny rural pub with the best views going. It is the location and ambience that makes the FBI, and they have good local ales and fine pub fare as well. It is a bit more of a paddle than our usual routes so you will need a full, up-for-it crew (7 adults, paddling teens). If you want to dine there, allow an extra hour on top of the standard 5 hour trip; add £15 per boat to your trip cost.
This is their website which includes links to their sample menu, and here they are on Trip Advisor.
Other Dittisham Options:
The Anchorstone - highly rated open air cafe with same great views but more limited opening times. This is their website and here they are on Trip Advisor.
A fully, licensed bistro-cafe, an ice-cream kiosk, and outside seating with great views across the river, over the tidal Stoke Mill Creek, up the valley across the Mill Pond, and over the dam that divides the two and hosts the most enthusiastic crabbing activities on the estuary. People rave about their steaks.
This is a regular stop on most Canoe Adventures that start at Tuckenhay, particularly the Friends and Family 'By-the-Seat' adventures. It is where we take our first break for 20-30 minutes.
They don't have a website but here they are on Trip Advisor.
Other Stoke Gabriel Options:
Emma's - Homely, finer dining with a more seasonal edge. Not licensed but you are welcome to bring your own. (There is a village shop just down the road).
There are two village pubs within walking distance from where we land that do standard pub fare. Reviews vary for both.
The Church House Inn, a characterful, medieval pub by the historic church and ancient yew tree. Here they are on Trip Advisor. To book call - 01803 782384.
The Castle Inn, central to village, closest of the two pubs to where we land. Here they are on Trip Advisor. To book - 01803 782 255.
Further afield
Dartmouth Arms, Dartmouth
Rockfish Take-away or Restaurant, Dartmouth
Steam Packet Inn, Totnes
Anchorstone Cafe, Dittisham
Best pubs in Devon
If you are looking for some of the best pubs in Devon, then we have some of the best pubs on the River Dart. For dining on the Dart or pub food. etc.
