The Kings Arms in East Devon

Went for dinner on Easter Saturday night. The pub has recently reopened and was buzzing! Best meal of our weekend away. Limited menu, but really good food, and service. Very busy, but great welcome from all the staff.

Very friendly landlord and staff! Food was average typical pub grub, both for evening meal and breakfast (had to be pre ordered the night before) Real ale was chilled rather than just being at cellar temperature, however once warmed up a bit it was fresh and clear so obviously properly stored and tapped The room was the let down - uncomfortable mattress with ill fitting linen (albeit clean). Room 3 was very tired and in need of some attention to detail and maintenance. Damaged bedroom window with visible gaps to outside, bathroom surfaces chipped and with peeling paint. 1990’s bath with shower over had dirty shower head and a small trickle of water (pressure in sink seemed okay so suspect shower head partially blocked). Toilet did not flush properly Carpets on stairs to the three rooms, and landing outside rooms, was dirty - however in the room it was fine Lovely and quiet overnight in the room though, so a bonus if I had been able to sleep well! All of this easily rectified - once it has been, would perhaps consider staying again, but certainly not again until it is Not asked for any feedback or even ‘how was your stay / did you sleep okay’ etc, so did not offer this feedback

We booked for Sunday lunch in mid September 2023. A nice welcome and we were shown to our table. The small restaurant area (probably 8 tables of 2 - 6 people) is basic but comfortable. We were looking for a Sunday roast so didn't ask about other choices. We were offered beef, pork or chicken with all the trimmings. We declined a starter because we don't have big appetites. The food was delicious - a nice change to have roast belly of pork instead of slices of regular pork meat. They vegetables - all cooked just to our tasts - included roast potatoes, roast parsnips, cabbage, carrots and cauliflower & broccoli cheese. The portions were generous. The roast meals cost £17 per person - quite pricey from our recent experience elsewhere. With a pint of beer and one glass on wine the bill came to £48.50.

From the warm welcome on arrival right through to the beautiful chocolate tart for dessert this was a wonderful experience. The Sunday lunch was lovely. Locally sourced meat and vegetables cooked to perfection. The homemade roasted vegetable quiche was absolutely lovely. All the staff were happy to help and made us feel welcome. There is a warm atmosphere in this friendly little pub in the picture postcard village of Stockland. An absolute gem of a place.

Had wonderful mussels and afterwards Styles Ice cream. Both delicious. But my husband had a fifth pie with no obvious fish in it. He was very disappointed.

Went for Sunday lunch - the best roast meal we have had in a pub for years - if ever! Big portions, about 8 vegetables, brilliant service, what more could one want? Answer: Nothing! (well, maybe some cushions on the chairs) Our advice - just keep doing exactly what you are doing now, you won't go wrong!

Lunch was delicious sitting in the sunshine. Baguettes very good and whitebait lovely. There was quite a wait for our food but our two waitresses were super friendly and efficient. Fresh water brought out for our dog was a nice touch. Will definitely return to this beautiful village pub.

The best Sunday lunch! We have tried all the local ones and this is the best. Dog friendly. Great vegan option - which refreshingly wasn’t nut roast! Brilliant service. Lucky to have this so close to home. We will definitely be back!

Fantastic pub set in the delightful village of Stockland, we were staying in the village and the pub was within reaching distance. The vibe was friendly with lovely local people to have a matter with, they made us feel very welcome. Great choice of ales, ciders and gins, we had a meal and the fish n chips was awesome. Fresh batter, lovely fish & the triple cooked chips were super moreish!! Sunday is live music between 3-5 and the pub was rammed, the music was great and it topped off an extra special weekend. Would highly recommend

5/5 The warm welcome we received from all the staff was lovely, and the food is consistently excellent. A very well run pub with amazing food. Highly recommended!

On arrival we were warmly greeted as if we were old friends. We dined in the main room which was warmed by the open fire. Their Sunday lunch was one of the best I have eaten. We started with the roasted pumpkin hummus, then a beef and a marinated lamb main course. The lamb was a thick slice, very tasty and tender and the accompanying vegetables were cooked till just tender. This was followed by a not too heavy sticky toffee pudding and ice cream. For drinks we had the cloudy and sparkling local Sandford ciders which we found much nicer than the well known brands. The service from the young waitresses was excellent. Great to hear that the locals contributed to open the pub after it closed and I wish them every success.

The guest chef this evening, Robert Ngungu, served up a fantastic autumn menu. The seafood chowder starter was delicious and large enough to be a main containing a good selection of fish with the added delights of crayfish and mussels. The autumn game stew was rich and unctuous with a well flavoured gravy. Combined with the candlelit tables and open fire this was the perfect antidote to a wet and windy November evening.

We enjoyed an excellent weekday lunch with friends. Good food, well presented and friendly, helpful staff. Good atmosphere.

Comfortable, well equipped rooms. Ben and his staff make staying at the pub a happy and memorable experience. The food is excellent, whether you have breakfast, lunch or evening meal. Homemade and beautifully prepared and served by friendly knowledgeable staff that are always happy to help. There is a lovely atmosphere in the pub and the locals always make you feel welcome. Superbly managed and run.

We ordered one starter, and 3 main courses between two of us. The inexperienced teenagers serving tables could not get right. Firstly, a very young boy took our order, we asked if he was clear, he said yes. Then after eating our starters, we get a package of aluminium foil with our roast dinner, and no gravy! Asking another very young girl about the gravy, she told us that was no containers, and the chef said no gravy! At £17, we didn't want potatoes and a slice of pork. So, after she went inside to talk to the manager Ben, he came to our table and said in a very rude manner that he did us a favour to let us eat on that day. I have a business and I was appalled with his misunderstanding and terrible attitude. He had a go at us in front of the pub 'locals' and everybody was involved, it was disappointing and frustrating. All because this pub claims to do take away meals, cannot provide containers and cannot provide gravy for a takeaway roast meal in aluminium foil!

We were treated very badly during a rare Sunday afternoon roast escape plan! The young staff member took our order without any issues despite discussion for clarity but plates were not forthcoming as ordered. I was dying to have my roast pork as my main, but it never arrived. Then the take-away roast beef that had been agreed by the waiter was strangely not allowed gravy. I challenged that and said I did not mind how the gravy was stored or drizzled on the take away. Apparently this was red rag to a bull and we suffered not only insult and intimidation by the manager who came over and wrongly accused us of being abusive to his staff! So we left hungry and humiliated and my partner felt thoroughly insulted! Bad experience and poor choice to head here on our precious time out! Won’t ever be returning!

I was very disappointed with Kings Arms in Stockland. Very small portion and expensive. I did not enjoy being served by very young teenagers, without any experience and slow service. Overall, very disappointing. I would not recommend.

We booked on spec from TripAdvisor and weren’t disappointed (thanks to all who recommended it). Easy table booking, dog friendly, good food, laid back style (we had lunch but left at 4pm). The landlord even obliged taking a photo of our party for us. Pretty...

When we arrived the pub was very quiet, we were welcomed by one of the staff who was happy to show us to our room. Our room was comfortable with a double bed and window seat. A comfy arm chair and a chair at the...

This pub is simply wonderful. Rescued from development by the locals a few years ago the bars have the buzz of a real community. Great food from a talented chef and a friendly front of house who are very welcoming. Two beautiful gardens and at...

We stayed here for one night after having a lovely meal there a few months ago. We ordered at 7pm and were told nearly an hour later that they only had one of our meals ordered left so we reordered, however fifteen minutes later we...

Although we did not eat on this occasion we have eaten here before. I wanted to tell readers about this pub which has very welcoming staff, lots of seating, a good range of drinks and great background music.

I travelled down on business this week from Scotland to see a customer who recomended the Kings Arms Stockland. I had evening meal with my customer and had a couple of beers in the bar, I also stayed in room 2 that evening. To say...

Saw advert in local paper and thought to give it a whirl. Excellent lunch and service. Will certainly go again.

4 of us had lunch here last week, having booked on spec. We had a really good meal in a lovely old inn and the reception could not have been friendlier. We'll certainly visit again.

We thoroughly enjoyed our meal yesterday evening. Lovely chicken liver pâté followed by steak and pheasant. All perfectly cooked and arrived in a timely manner. Lovely atmosphere with drinkers in the bar providing a great background buzz. Thank you Ben and team.

We went to the King's Arms recently for a celebratory lunch with friends. On arrival we were shown to a nice table by the fire and having ordered our drinks and meals, we sat back to enjoy what we expected to be a pleasant, quiet...

We stayed for 3 nights over new year. We had room 2. Ben couldn’t have been more friendly and attentive. He is the best host we have met in a bed and breakfast. He was very busy as he had staff shortages. The kitchen was...

Although we don't live far, this was actually our first visit here since it reopened and it won't be the last. Good points: lovely ambience - a carefully restored country pub, log fire, tablecloth and flowers: very friendly staff: water brought to your table without...

An absolute hidden gem this beautiful pub is. The food was exceptional 5*, the staff are wonderful, the rooms are spacious and super clean. Yes you may think this wonderful pub is slightly out the way but it’s massively worth the little detour. Plus it’s...

Just spent the weekend here. The people who run this place, each and every one of them know what they are doing!!! Lovely quirky building, low ceilings, fireplaces. Very comfortable bedroom, great bathroom, clean and welcoming. Awesome food, Head Chef Matt and his team are...

Great food and great staff! We went both nights we were away in Devon. Then is limited but that means the food is gorgeous! I had the steak one night and the chicken cassoulet the other. Compliments to the chef

We found this at enforced short notice, great community Inn, very welcoming, helpful and friendly staff and landlord, A great local community spirit in the bar, evening meal and breakfast exceptionally good. Nicely decorated room. A little gem for an overnight en-route to/from the West...

We had a wonderful lunch here in the first week of May when we holidayed in Stockland village for a week. Eating places had only just reopened post-lockdown 3 but you had to eat outdoors. We were made very welcome at The Kings Arms and...

Just back from an excellent lunch at the Kings arms, this was our first visit, landlord and staff very friendly, good beer and great food, had the fish and chips and the Dartmoor burger, cappuccino panacotta and coffee, great selection on the menu, something to...

Harriett provided me with special ice packs for my injured wrists on both nights. The breakfast and evening meal was excellent. The overall atmosphere inside the inn was superb, everyone was so friendly and welcoming including the couple from Bolton! We forgot to settle our...

Average at best. We read the previous good reviews which made us to book a table for 6 there. There was a very limited choice for children meals and these were overpriced. The adult meals were pretty disappointing too - lots of soggy chips. It...

This is a very friendly pub, with excellent hospitality. While the menu was small, the dishes we had were superb, tasty and imaginative. If the butternut squash is on the menu, do not miss it, it was delicious, as was the chicken and bean cassoulet....

A group of us ate here for birthday celebrations the food was excellent though the menu was slightly restricted, staff were very friendly and helpful. lovely old building in a picturesque village. Well worth a visit!

Everything about The Kings Arms was perfect for me. Lone female staying in area as attending a course - wanted a hotel that had character, was a good standard, welcoming and good location - all of which were exceeded. Room excellent, food fresh & a...

I would definitely recommend this pub for their outstanding food. It was fresh and of a very high standard. The staff were friendly and accommodating (we had two dogs with us). We visited twice during our stay in the area. Hope to go back again...

Pro: Located in a picturesque village in a beautiful country side. Indoor and outdoor seating with lovely gardens. Very nice and attentive staff. Very good local ales. Cons: We had lunch. Poor menu with presumptuous dishes. Small portions, nothing like a proper English Pub. The...

Visted on 11th September with friends All of us had a very nice meal- Gnocchi for the vegetarian; Chicken leg with cassoulet for myself and the others had plaice with crab.All meals well cooked and presented .Probably our best meal at the Kings Arms.

Really friendly staff and very good food. We were squeezed in on a busy Saturday and the meal was really good they use local produce and create very tasty meals. Extensive beers on tap. Menu is small but varied and puddings divine

Stayed here while visiting my friend. The pub is very old and quaint and there is an excellent selection of ales. The restaurant is very good and the service was second to none. The food was very good we had a three course meal, it...

Excellent pub, amazing food, lovely service and very well priced. What a lovely little gem, highly recommended. A lovely little pub in the heart of the countryside, met with such a warm welcome from all the staff. The food was unbelievably lovely and at such...

We stayed here last weekend on a visit to see friends who live locally in Feniton. The staff were friendly and accommodating, the room was nicely decorated, a good size and clean and comfortable. The breakfast the next morning was delicious, quality ingredients used and...

Recommended by the owners of our holiday let, nice fiends village pub. The menu was slightly limited but the quality of food was excellent. The service was quick and very welcoming. We sat by the entrance to the garden which was perfect for us in...

Our age range was 16 to 64. We all loved all of our our choices. The best, for me, was the mackerel starter, which had exquisite flavours. Every dish here is carefully composed and delicious.

We booked for 2 nights and stayed for 3! From the moment we arrived, late checking in and for our dinner reservation because we had been playing golf longer than expected, but were reassured it was no problem, Ben and his team made us feel...

Our first trip here, having read the good reviews and also having had the pub recommended by friends. Really, really great building in a delightful location, lovely ambience. The staff were friendly and welcoming, some good beers and quite excellent food. We both ordered the...

I had read all of the reviews which were quite honestly stunning so we booked to stay for two nights, one of which was my birthday. There were so many unavailable meals I chose the only one Left to like - vegetarian which was tomatoes...

A superb pub, fantastic atmosphere. The food was exceptional and catered for my dietary requirements with no fuss. Great service and very friendly.

2 of my family had the lamb, Fantastic, best they had ever had , ever. Beef was a little underdone, but you cooked it slightly more for us. The staff were lovely and very attentive. Deserts slightly overpriced at £7.00 per person for a very...

I can't begin to recommend this pub enough! We came here for a roast and not only was it the nicest I've had this year but the pint that accompanied it only cost £3.80 which is a wonder in this day and age! Such a...

Excellent meal! The food was delicious and such a great choice on the menu. The service was brilliant and I couldn’t fault a single thing! The duck leg and the Arancini (main courses) were amazing. We booked the table a couple of months ago but...

We visited twice and ate else where 5 times during our visit to the area. The Kings Arms was by far the best meal. The service was attentive and warm without being patronising. The environment in the building was very pleasant. The food was very...

I have known this pub for over 40 years and indeed in the early days the Chateau Nouveau was flown into Exeter airport and the pub were the first to serve it on the night. After the long lockdown of Covid, I was looking forward...

The service was 5 star and the hygiene perfect with face masks available, sanitizers, etc and great signage. The food deserved a Michelin star or two - recommend the pigeon tart and crab starters and mussels for main.

We found the King’s Arms almost by chance on a journey home on the A30. We just turned off and checked the area online. Very friendly and accommodating. We dropped in without booking and we’re seated outside in the sunshine. Our golden retriever was made...

We were staying at a b and b nearby and we asked for a local recommendation - this community-owned pub was suggested. We booked for dinner and enjoyed a superb meal - perfectly cooked and well presented. The staff were very attentive, value was good...

We went here today , with our small dog. Covid precautions were being followed and we felt safe. The staff were welcoming, friendly and professional. The food was amazing - 3 courses for One meat eater and one vegetarian. Hopefully we sneak another visit before...

Wonderful pub. Fantastic food. Great live music. Everything you need in a country pub. Definitely worth a visit. One of the best pubs in Somerset.

I visited Stockland with my boyfriend and parents for a long weekend away in Devon and booked dinner for 2 nights running at The Kings Arms. What a wonderful find it was. Ben, Heather and Harriet especially couldn't do enough for us, they were all...

The whole process from booking a table to having the most amazing service and meal by Ben and his team. We haven’t been out for a meal in a pub for a year and where a little worried, we didn’t need to. Ben understood we...

This place is a must try if in the local area. The service is so friendly, quick and the atmosphere relaxing. Being honest the decor in this pub made me fall in love instantly. I'm gutted we dont live closer. The food is brilliant and...

This is a fantastic country Gastro pub! Our compliments to the chef and to the staff that do everything they can during this crazy time to accommodate your requests and keep us safe. The Fresh Fish is simply delicious and all the locally sourced meats...

We called for a pre-booked light lunch and enjoyed excellent bacon and brie baguettes in the restaurant that had a welcoming log fire. The couple in charge were a delight and, as we were interested in the history of the pub, they chatted through what...

I have been here twice pre-covid and during covid (last week) and the food is still the same consistent quality as when they first opened. I came here with my girlfriend and family, and we all felt safe eating and drinking here. The pork belly...

Food was very good service excellent and friendly. Crispy cauliflower could have been a bit more crispy , but other than that good. beer and wine were fine . The room was quite cold and the choice of piped music was odd to say the...

We went to the King's Arms to celebrate a special occasion and catch up up with friends and family. It was my first time eating in the pub since it opened up again in January and the food, drinks, ambience and service was perfect. Most...

A pub reborn after years of emptiness. A fantastic peaceful pub. The staff: Ben,Richard,Jess, Christie,and Heather were caring and totally professional in these difficult times. The food was superb. A brief birthday visit and a bit of true England at it's best. A must!

We stayed at this recently opened community pub for two nights and our stay was superb : the welcome we experienced was warm and very friendly and relaxed ; our room was spacious and very well appointed. We travelled to the area to meet up...

We dropped in to The Kings Arms to see what the newly refurbished pub was like. We haven't been there for over 15 years and we were impressed with the new interior and the friendly welcome from Ben behind the bar. He found us a...

It’s not often I give 5 stars as a rating but if I could give 6 to this venue I would. We ate with friends in the restaurant last night and it was simply brilliant. Despite the current COVID pandemic we felt safe and the...

Lovely to be in the middle of nowhere, feels like a secret only you know. Good parking, nice garden and inside a very quaint ambience, like stepping back in time. Very impressed with all new rules, felt very safe. Seafood platter was delicious, potted shrimps...

Pub has been restored by the villagers of Stockland. They have done an excellent job. We stopped here for lunch and certainly not your average pub meal. Definitely recommend.

We can not praise enough Jessie, Tony, Ben and the team for making our stay in the inn most comfortable. Needless to say, both the food and drinks were amazing too. We took our little dog with us and the team loved him too. Thank...

Came here today following a lovely walk near Stockland. lovely welcome, great service, great meal. Definitely recommend 👍😀

ordered cod fillet in batter , mushy peas and chips. chips were good. the tail end fillet was I doubt cod as the texture was crumbly NOT flaky ,and a rather small portion. The mushy peas were crushed garden peas(obviously chef has not been up...

This pub is apparently community owned, and the staff certainly seemed to be very invested in making sure we had a good experience. The food was good, particularly an excellent piece of hake and a nice mackerel salad. The menu range is not huge though....

Had a fantastic Sunday roast in august (booked the day before) and the food was wonderful. Staff are super friendly and helpful and the garden overlooks the pretty village. Also very dog friendly! Highly recommend the pork belly for Sunday lunch.

I Had the crab pasta, my wife had the rumpsteak ow my goodness both meals were fantastic cooked to perfection The service was warm, friendly a great atmosphere. One of the best Pubs around 🍺🥂🦀. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.

Wonderful lunch at beautiful The Kings Arms In there Garden . The Crab on Panini and salad it was lovely. My friend had Ham on panini and salad with was lovely. Can’t wait to go for dinner soon. It was lovely to see you Ben...

Cannot praise this lovely pub highly enough. Visited for lunch today and found the COVID rules very well adhered too, with lots of space to dine in comfort and not feel close to others. The food was awesome, we came away with plans to go...

Wonderful food with great service in very friendly comfortable surroundings. Covid rules clear and well managed making it a safe experience too. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves... The brill was amazing as were all the plates of food served and two of us also enjoyed...

Just got home from a really lovely Saturday night meal at the kings arms and had to write a review which I don’t usually do! The staff were so welcoming and friendly and the social distancing measures in place were so efficient that it made...

visited this lovely pub while glamping at nearby Aller farm. incredibly friendly and helpful service .Jess even kindly gave us a pot of coffee to take away as we'd just arrived and had forgotten to pick it up when shopping ,and not having a village...

Having been closed for six years, this pub was bought by the village and reopened in early 2020. It has worked hard during Covid doing takeaways and is now open again, with plenty of well-spaced eating areas. The staff are helpful, welcoming and friendly, and...

We missed this place before Covid 19. During Covid 19 we did a bit of take-away and the staff were so lovely we could not wait to come for a drink when the pub reopened! We finally made it for a few drinks Friday afternoon...

During the Coronavirus lock down, the Kings Arms Inn is continuing with a take out service. Three of us went for the traditional Sunday lunch roast beef and pud and we were all most impressed with the service, quality and quantity of the meal. The...

The staff at the Kings Arms are responding to the current crisis by offering an imaginative take away service. The Sunday roast dinners, local pork and lamb, that we brought home on this week were superb, with plenty of flavoursome tender meat and delicious fresh...

People who may have read other reviews that I have made on Trip Advisor know that I do not take prisoners where offerings fall short. So it is a pleasure to say that a casual midweek dropin for lunch at the King's Arms was a...

Disappointed after reading the good reviews. We were a party of four, booked for 8pm. The reception and staff were nice and very friendly we had pre dinner drink but were not seated until 8:15 and didn’t eat until 9:20, a bit late to be...

Only opened again in 2020 under new management and this lovely pub is already brilliant. We had a lovely evening and a superb dinner. Friendly staff & great atmosphere in the restaurant rooms and at the bar. The food was beautifully prepared - Just try...

I was delighted to hear from a friend that the Kings Arms Inn had been ' rescued' by the local community and is now up and running once again. I rang at short notice for Sunday lunch today and the very cheerful lady taking my...

We first called in here six weeks ago but we were unable to get a table. This time we were more successful, and had a corner table in the restaurant, opposite a lovely log fire. We had thought of having a snack, but on being...

They’ve done a really good job on this newly re-opened village pub! Great, relaxed atmosphere, good food and service. (Open 11am-11pm. Note: closed Mondays)

I was part of a group of about 30 to have a celebration dinner at the Kings Arms. What a fabulous evening! The staff were lovely - very helpful especially given our large number. The food was excellent. I had grilled hake which was enormous...

We stayed at the Kings Arms for 2 nights whilst visiting family. We were given a very warm welcome at all times. The rooms were very comfortable and spotlessly clean. We had an excellent dinner on our first night, the food was delicious. Both mornings...