The Masons Arms Inn in North Devon

We have just visited during our honeymoon and were blown away. The team were extremely accommodating after finding out our reservation had been accidentally cancelled, this was hugely appreciated. The team were amazing with our dog, we were in the bar area and they showed nothing but kindness towards him (even after his barking!). We have visited many fine dining restaurants around the UK and this has to be up there as one of the best! Casual, relaxed atmosphere with impeccable service. We had a mix of the set menu and a la cart because my partner wanted to try the blue cheese starter and I had my eyes on the raspberry soufflé, all of which were 10/10. To top our experience off, we were greeted by the chef which was a lovely surprise.

We visited The Masons Arms on Saturday 11 May 2024 for lunch for 4 persons and was thoroughly pleased!!. The food was superb (justifies its Michelin star status), the staff and overall service was on point and the setting was picturesque - we were fortunate that the weather was very pleasant on the day and so we were treated to some lovely views of the Devon countryside. The food consisted of a selection of home-made breads, a 3-course lunch and petis fours to finish. One person in our party has food allergies but we were thoroughly impressed at how they were able to accommodate for this and still offer the same dining experience. We would happily return!

We visited on a Wednesday evening to celebrate my boyfriends birthday and were very impressed. There was a lovely atmosphere and the pub was busy considering it was mid-week. The service was excellent and the staff were attentive but not intrusive. The highlight was obviously the food. We were both blown away by how delicious it was. The complementary canapes and mini desserts were a lovely touch. We will be back!

Perhaps I was spoilt for choice whilst in Devon, but I found the Mason's Arms a little underwhelming overall. A cosy dining room with a real village-pub feel give way to decent, but not always standout dishes that left me wantng a bit more. The highlight of the meal was the Jerusalem Artichoke veloute with smoked chicken - creamy, rich and well-seasoned. Other courses all had nice elements, but do not stand out in my mind as particularly exceptional. By no means a bad meal, but I expect a little more from a Michelin rated restaurant.

It was so lovely to be back at The Masons Arms on Tuesday. We worked out it must have been about 3 years since we were last lucky enough to enjoy such incredible food and service with Mark and Sarah at the helm. Walking into the bar area was like “coming home” and we had such a warm welcome. Lunch was nothing short of being superb. It was faultless. The Exmoor fillet was to die for. So soft and succulent and perfectly cooked medium rare. . The pistachio soufflé was nothing short of perfection. Beautifully crafted. Together with the very quaffable South African wine and a sneaky glass of champagne and some delicious dessert wine, my husband and I felt very happy to be back. Sent from my iPhone

Been wanting to visit this Michelin starred country pub restaurant for a long time. A Christmas Present was the the way to make it happen. The welcome, service and food were tremendous. I had Duck Parfait and Guinea Fowl while my wife had soup followed by Halibut. We shared a Selection of Desserts then coffee with petit fours. They are considering selling the business si U suggest you get in while you can!!

After reading all the glowing reviews of The Mason Arms restaurant pub we were both excited but nervous as it had so much to live up to . Well we were not disappointed. Everything about the whole experience was excellent. Nice welcome & ambience in a truly old fashion pub. The focus is naturally all on the food & it is mind blowingly outstanding . We thoroughly enjoyed our starters, main course and deserts all 10 out of 10. Superb & interesting wine list.

We booked a table by the bar in front of a cosy log fire. The service was excellent and the set menu lunch that we chose was superb . We will return .

Always book a table when we know we are in the area . Set menu fantastic value , all prepared with skill and love. Great service , drinks very reasonable. Fantastic location , a restaurant well worth experiencing

Excellent food as usual. Can particularly recommend the artichoke soup and they never fail to please with their souffles. We had a family member visit and visited three restaurants this week. Can highly rate the food and the surroundings.

Taste of British deserts a must at the end of a sensational menu. In an informal and relaxed atmosphere the food is is of the highest quality. Venison cooked with restraint with wonderful flavour and tenderness. Every course memorable.

Lunched with friends following constant badgering by one of them to make the trip to North Devon. How pleased we were to have given in! Michelin stars can in our experience not always be a blessing. In this case it certainly is and so well deserved (for 15 consecutive years I think!!). Nestled in a pretty village within what appears to be a quaint country pub is a delightful, cosy restaurant where a little bit of magic happens. An enticing menu, created and cooked by Chef Patron Mark Dodson hits the spot perfectly. Neither the food or service is pretentious, but warm and welcoming. It may not be cheap, but it is excellent value for money. Can't really imagine what could be improved except moving closer it to home? But as that's not happening we will be more than happy to make the pilgrimage to Knowstone again and we're planning our return right now.

Once again a truly fantastic dinner served with charm and friendliness from the moment you walk in you feel the friendly atmosphere of the place

This is one of my favourite restaurants in Devon. For a restaurant that has had its Michelin star for 17 years, it’s remarkabley unpretentious, with outstanding food and friendly knowledgeable service. I know it’s a bit late posting this review, but I’m reminded as I’m going back this week!

Beautifully nestled on the edge of Exmoor in the quaint village of Knowstone, this award winning restaurant offers a truly delightful and delicious dining experience of the finest quality. Locally sourced meats including an amazing cut of venison cooked to perfection. This pub is full of character and charm with a lovely garden and outdoor seating.

Great food, attentive, but not intrusive, service. Staff extremely pleasant and friendly. Sarah went out of her way to get a postcard for our memory box.

A really lovely evening at The Masons Arms. We were all in food heaven, each course was well presented and tasted amazing. We’d been looking forward to eating at this Michelin Star restaurant and it didn’t disappoint. Really friendly welcoming and the service throughout the evening was second to none. Mark and Sarah also went out of their way to meet one of our dietary requirements. Would highly recommend if you are visiting the area. Many thanks Mark and Sarah for a perfect evening.

My wife and I were staying in the area and when researching places to eat, to my delight, we found the Mason Arms. We are both fans of fine dining, and have eaten in some wonderful establishments. We appreciate good quality produce which is handled...

What a smashing find, tucked away in a little village that you would probably never drive through, sits a traditional pub. Whilst the ambiance is as you would expect lovely open fires and low ceilings, the food is on a different level. Superb and deservedly...

For me, a surprise birthday dinner turned into a memorable night; the staff were all very friendly and welcoming, which is really refreshing for visitors coming into a cosy village restaurant. The food, from the unexpected delicious amuse-bouch to the final dessert, topped off by...

First visit to The Masons Arms and it definitely will not be the last. From the moment we were warmly greeted by Sarah until we were bid farewell by Mark we had a lovely evening with really great food and wine. The staff were very...

A lovely warm welcome from the moment you walk through the door, into the lovely cosy bar area, we ordered drinks and were then directed to the lounge area, where our drinks and hors d’oeuvre was served and our orders taken. We were lead to...

Thank you for a great day. From the moment you step inside to the moment you leave everything was amazing. The lunch menu especially was a bargain for the quality of food you receive. The best food around! Great attention to detail. Food was exceptional...

We were two blokes booked for lunch with a dog so we were sat in the best room in the pub, on the table next to the fire in the bar. The selection on the menu was much as you might expect if you read...

The highlight of a short trip to the south west, friendly but professional service, concise menu but I had plenty to choose from. My starter of wood pigeon was a highlight but all three courses were well cooked and well presented. Also a great value...

To be honest, the setting is really nice, an old pub in the country side, with low ceiling and a nice fire place. The actual dining room is intimiate which is nice as well. The food instead pretty average to be honest considering that this...

Had lunch midweek and was very impressed with the quality of our meals and the warm and welcoming service which we experienced. Myself and my husband both ate from the set lunch menu. I had the soup as starter, and my husband had the snails...

We have eaten there a few times and this meal was very disappointing. Don’t get me wrong we have had fabulous meals there but today hope fully was a one off. On reflection we should have complained. The starter of snails was very oily and...

Absolutely banging ….. like a comfy pair of slippers but far far tastier. Our 3rd visit and not our last. PS don’t all go, we like we like being able to get a table when we call

We had a wonderful evening. As we had our dog with us we sat at the large table in the bar beside the open fire. Sarah and her team couldn’t do enough for us. Food was sublime. Incredible flavours, perfectly cooked. Food and wine well...

The welcome was friendly and welcoming, the food was delicious, seven of us chose a range of different dishes and all were excellent, the soufflé was to die for and came as part of a trio of lemon puddings. We all felt it was a...

We stayed at the Masons Arms for two nights and had a hugely positive experience in every category possible. The room was cosy but well looked after - it was clean, had good heating, good shower, comfortable bed, small wardrobe for our things, TeaPigs coffees...

Excellent lunch beautifully cooked - The coffee souffle is to die for and the main courses were excellent. Highly recommended

This has been a favourite since my first visit a good few years ago. Tucked away in a pleasant village, it is sign posted from the North Devon link road, and easy to find. The delightful thatched building houses a charming restaurant with a log...

If you are looking for the type of thatched, centuries old, country pub with a glowing log fire, much depicted on Christmas cards, this most definitely is it. Apart from the pubs great charm, you will enjoy superb food that lives up to its Michelin...

Fabulous in every single way. Couldn’t have asked for better service and the food was incredible. Your team are an absolute credit to you. If you are considering booking, make sure you plan ahead. This place has a seriously good reputation and it’s definitely worth...

As we had used this restaurant before lockdown we were very pleased to return, two of our friends had never been there and they were very very impressed. I’ve given this restaurant a rating of five out of five because it is absolutely five star....

I would say this is the best lunch I have ever eaten. I cannot fault the staff, service or food. Among my favourite places to eat when you are feeling flush or just want to celebrate life.

We had a warm welcome at the Mason arms despite turning up in full waterproofs with a dog. We sat by a roaring fire in the bar area and enjoyed a splendid evening . The food was delicious we had scallops & arancini, halibut and...

Came for a date night after the birth of our son. Whilst we were initially greeted well whilst we were waiting for our seats all you could hear was the front of house staff talking about TV shows and who is kissing who which isn’t...

Third time visiting The Masons arms, which never disappoints Incredible flavours from local produce, with exemplary service. The lunch specials at £29.50 for three course cannot be faulted - amazing value for the quality of the cooking Thoroughly recommended

We absolutely adored this superb restaurant in deepest Devon. The food was of the highest standard and served by some lovely staff. Will definitely make the effort to go here again.

I was feeling unwell ( a migraine) and we had thought about cancelling our reservation, but so glad we didn't, we had such a wonderful experience. The food was tremendous, clearly the chef and kitchen team know exactly what they are about, its got a...

Lovely service - very attentive and friendly staff and very accommodating of dietary requirements. Food was delicious and the atmosphere in the dining room was lovely. Would definitely go again!

Slightly disappointed overall. We booked this Michelin Star restaurant as a special evening on our holiday and while it was certainly highly competent it was not so memorable. In fairness, they call themselves traditional and it is a sort of mixture of French and English...

Friendly staff,excellent food and lovely pub. O.K.,quality rather than quantity but still felt satiated.

Goodness how do you keep extolling the virtues of the Mason Arms? Last time the Anise Parfait was exquisite - beautifully made and when I looked up the recipe for the same on line guess who was the most highly recommended- yes Mark Dodson. I...

Sometimes you’re not sure what a Michelin star will do to a place - especially a pub. But everything from the lovely service, the wonderful food and the very reasonable wine list was too notch. There is a very nice two or three course set...

We joined our Friends for a 50th Birthday Treat. We had the Main Bar Area all to ourselves, They welcomed use All ensuring we where all relaxed and comfortable. The Food through the evening was both a feast for your eyes and to eat. No...

We were delighted to return to the Masons Arms after a pandemic-enforced-break. It was relly great to be back, the food was magnificent as usual with the usual high levels of service despite the obvious measures put in place to limit the risk of Covid...

The Mason's Arms is a pretty thatched pub and restaurant in the village of Knowstone on the edge of Exmoor. The restaurant has one Michelin star and scored 4/10 for its cooking in The Good Food Guide 2020. The food is a mix of Modern...

It was quite by chance that we noticed this place just a short (?) walk away from our Devon cottage. We booked in for lunch and were enchanted (and wished we had booked more than one visit!) Food was exquisite (the smoked scallop I had...

First visit back to our favourite restaurant, always impeccable food and service and no change this visit, great to have them back open after a different and difficult year, service is always prompt and unobtrusive, with knowledgeable staff able to answer all your questions, food...

Beautiful restaurant set in the most quaint village in Devon. Amazing food, smoked scallops were to die for!! Well worth a visit! And when we are back in the area we will definitely be visiting again! Thank you

Lovely pub with fantastic food. Highly recommend it. We were 3 couples booked and had lunch, had 3 course meals, and the service was amazing, very attentive, and absolutely friendly team. Husband Mark (chef), and wife Sarah managing front house, with daughter Louisa and other...

Food and service exceptional. Booked in last minute with a cancellation. The staff went above and beyond to accommodate my partner with a dairy intolerance. They made her feel so comfortable. Can't wait to revisit next time we are in the area. A fantastic place...

If you are ever in north Devon then plan at least a couple of months in advance to visit The Masons Arms. We (a party of 4 and 2 dogs) have just returned from a lunchtime visit and this Michelin restaurant has been given 5...

Yet again exceptional restaurant Mark and Sarah plus there brilliant team delivered the very best in British cuisine simply perfect words cant describe how delicious our lunch was the experience was faultless we try to visit the Masons Arms when ever in the area and...

Our fourth visit to this lovely restaurant, and our only trusted place in the last 18 months of the pandemic when on staycation. So glad they have survived, quality of food, service, welcome and atmosphere all still intact. The lunch offer is such good value....

We had another wonderful meal here, eating some of the best beef I’ve ever had. The starters were gorgeous (we had the terrine, Arancini and gazpacho) and the presentation of all dishes sublime. But it’s not just the food which is the appeal it’s the...

Have been several times, food and service always amazing. Love it when it’s warm enough to sit out in the garden. Always the highlight of our any trip to Devon. Hope to be back in 2021

We visited the Mason’s Arms for lunch today. They offer a three course lunch for the very reasonable price of £28.75 The food was incredible and the staff were so friendly. Considering the restaurant has a Michelin Star, there was no air of pretentiousness. I...

Our stay in the Exmoor Area culminated in the most fabulous meal at the Masons Arms. From the moment we walked through the door (one way in only due to COVID-19) we felt safe and at ease. We were greeted warmly, and, masked up, were...

Third time for lunch here whilst on holiday in Exmoor. Felt very Covid safe with fewer covers and social distancing. Lovely relaxing atmosphere and views over beautiful countryside from our table. The extras such as bread and petit fours with coffee all homemade and ‘special’....

It was such a pleasure to visit the Mason's Arms. Brilliant food, excellent staff and relaxed surroundings.

We travelled for three hours saw a sign for the Masons Arms. We drove down narrow lanes to find this lovely little pub. We entered only to he told no availability and only a drink outside . I visited the ladies and saw a cosy...

I was treated to a delicious birthday lunch last weekend by my fiancé as we were visiting the area. The ambience is lovely and relaxed, all staff were very friendly and accommodating, and taking the necessary COVID precautions to keep people safe. We had our...

What a beautiful little restaurant. Technically a pub, and I really wished we lived closer than almost 2hrs drive away! The welcome was warm, good social distance, team wore excellent visors, hand sanitizer everywhere, scrupulously clean throughout & that side of things took away my...

Dined here with my partner on a Thursday evening. Grateful that the tables were perfectly socially distanced and the staff were wearing visors. I had the arancini followed by the fillet of beef. Both dishes were nice but given the Michelin star I was expecting...

What a find! Just moved to South Molton and cannot believe our luck in finding this restaurant on our doorstep! The service was so friendly and professional. Covid precautions were adhered to well. The food was just amazing and loved the décor too. We will...

Having booked a cottage in Knowstone and learning of a The Mason's Arms two doors down we knew we had to visit on our holiday to Devon. The service was great - everything was set up to be Covid friendly with big spaces between the...

We enjoyed a fabulous evening here this week. We couldnt fault the food, and we certainly enjoyed the wine list. The service was excellent too - very friendly and engaging. We would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of going, and will definitely go again if...

We visited as a family with our dog to celebrate my wife's birthday, having previously visited as a couple. The atmosphere is excellent - pub/restaurant with fantastic quality Michelin starred food, but very relaxed and friendly, rather than the stiffness generally associated with restaurants offering...

Return visit after lockdown and Covid-19, good to be able to go out again, as always the most amazing food and exemplary service, a few changes for safety but they do not affect your enjoyment of the food or really make any difference to the...

We dined in the bar area and had it basically as our own private dining room due to social distancing. We were very well looked after. The staff were were delightful and everything was very safely managed in the current COVID situation. The cocktails were...

Outstanding food and service. My wife and I went out for the first time since lockdown and thought we’d try somewhere different. We were very happy with our choice. All 3 courses were perfect, I don’t like salad but everything on my plate vanished! It...

We had an excellent lunch here today. Sarah, Mark and the team ensured before our visit, that we would be in a “safe”, minimum risk environment.Our booking details, were taken, and we had a full understanding of the risk assessments before we arrived. We arrived...

Thank you for a great evening. From the moment you step inside to the moment you leave everything was amazing. Great attention to details. Food was exceptional.

Having popped in for a drink whilst passing on a walk, we then dined mid-week in the evening to celebrate my husband's birthday, choosing from the a la carte menu - great selection to choose from, something for everyone. The food was exquisite; delicious, filling...

Thank you all so so much for all you're hard work! You attended to us all so so well. Not easy when their was 8 of us in one setting. You made us all feel welcome. And we know how hard big parties can be!!...

Dined on a Tuesday night with my partner. We chose a la carte and had a beautiful meal. I had the seared tuna followed by duck, both outstanding, and my partner the twice baked cheese soufflé and the beef, again very good. The meal comes...

Lovely food but very over price compared to some others in the north Devon area! Don’t get me wrong the food was enjoyable and nearly every dish we had was tasty, but I’ve eaten better in other restaurants that charge nearly half the price. If...

We were on our way down the croyde bay in Devon and me and that boys felt a little thirsty. We had a look on the Sat Nav what was near by and we seen this place on the map so drove to it. The...

This pub is outstanding. A gorgeous thatched country pub with a really relaxed country pub atmosphere. Not pretentious in the slightest. But the icing on the cake is the superb food. We genuinely couldn’t fault it. Great menu & wine list & Excellent service ....

I bought our management team over for dinner and you truly blew our expectations out of the water, the team had a superb evening and thoroughly enjoyed every element! The food was exemplary, delicious and stunning! The surroundings and atmosphere were relaxed, unpretentious and truly...

We’d taken a four-hour drive for a few days to explore North Devon, with a meal at The Masons Arms being central to the trip. I’ll be honest, this was our first Michelin-starred restaurant, and being a couple of serious ‘foodies’ (loving all things cooking...

We visit about every 3 months, we try to book the big table by the fire in the bar as we bring our dogs. Friendly welcome, professional but relaxed service but most of all perfect food, no poncy smears or foams here just seriously well...

Visited for lunch during a gastronomic mini-break in Devon pre-Christmas. First time but won't be the last time to visit this wonderful culinary destination in deepest Devon. Beautiful thatched pub on the edge of Exmoor. Very tastefully decorated with an extraordinary painted ceiling in the...

What a fabulous restaurant. Located in a quaint Devon village, The Masons is a very welcoming and atmospheric venue. Superb quality food - brilliantly cooked, great visual presentation and full of flavour. Staff courteous, attentive and very efficient. The hosts are very engaging and delightful...

Have visited the masons arms twice since moving back into the area and I continues to impress me with its understated excellence. Sarah, as front of house, is a real gem and helps to make you feel welcomed and valued from the moment you arrive,...

We dined here for the first time a few weeks ago and we’ll definitely be back!! Food delicious, staff lovely and together with their cosy log fire ....it was very hard to leave!!! We decided to try the tasting menu with wine pairing, scrumptious. Highly...

Lunch is a bargain great cooking with a reasonable choice of all three courses. The duck confit and blackberry and apple crumble were the stand out dishes.

This was our first time in a restaurant we'd heard so much about and we're kicking ourselves we hadn't visited sooner. It's a 40 minute drive from home but well worth it. We both had the set lunch menu with venison terrine and duck confit....

Made to feel very welcome on arrival. Pre dinner drinks in lovely lounge with roaring fire. Excellent canapés gave a hint of the quality of the meal to come. Opted for the tasting menu and every course delivered though Tuna with Oriental Spices was very...

I visited the Masons Arms after a break of sometime so it was nice to visit again. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. The small sitting room had a roaring fire to welcome us before moving into the dining room. The dining room is pleasant,...

We have past the signs on the A361 for the Mason's Arms countless times. On recommendation we had lunch there and it was a delight. Beautiful old thatched building, with great ambience and lovely painted ceilings in the restaurant. The food was, in a word,...

An amazing find in a lovely village. A warm welcome by the staff and a lovely laid back atmosphere. A relaxing pre meal drink with Olives and snacks whilst waiting for our table. The ambiance in the Dining area was really lovely with no excessive...

Small restaurant in small pub - cosy and charming. Busy the night we came with locals and visitors of all ages. Deservedly popular. Book ahead. The food really is something here. Highest quality all round from my soup to the lamb to the excellent blackcurrant...

Well worth the drive to find this hidden gem. We were greeted professionally but like friends. The food was excellent quality and presentation showed quality. My first visit taken by friends who had visited before and found the standard to be consistent. Food was of...

We went there to celebrate my husband's birthday. There is absolutely no way that anything could have been better. From the welcome we received on arrival to our farewll after coffee everything was superb. The beautifully cooked and presented food, the service which struck a...