• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Welcome to The Carpenters Arms, Ilsington. Nr. Haytor, Dartmoor, Devon, England

The Carpenters Arms in Ilsington, nestled near Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, offers a quintessential pub experience. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff, it serves an array of delicious dishes that celebrate local flavors. Highlights include their famous Friday night fish and chips, praised for its light, crispy batter and exceptional homemade tartare sauce. The Steak & Ale pies are also a crowd favorite, showcasing hearty ingredients in comforting dishes. With a diverse menu and a cozy ambiance, The Carpenters Arms is a beloved gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, making it a must-visit dining destination.

The Carpenters Arms, Ilsington. Nr. Haytor, Dartmoor, Devon, England: Reviews & Ratings

Nicky C
Nicky C

Amazing meal had by all - especially loved the Steak & Ale pies. Very friendly hospitable staff and lovely atmosphere so will definitely be returning again soon.

Annabel Lau
Annabel Lau

Cosy and welcoming pub! We went for Friday night fish and chips which was delicious. Crispy and light batter, home made tartare sauce was a delight and their curry sauce was very nicely spiced. Overall, well worth a visit. Lots of locals too which is a great sign!

Lloyd Evans
Lloyd Evans

What a Pub!!! Perfect pints of San Miguel, like really perfect. Really accommodating with a tab so we could pay at end, didn’t take a card, trusted us. The Pizza was genuinely really good, crispy base, thin, good amount of mozzarella. COD and chips was also excellent, cod cooked just right. Staff and locals all very lovely and the best bit of all, plenty of friendly doggo’s to get to know.

Nigel Bushrod
Nigel Bushrod

Great find, traditional village Pub with fantastic food. Loved the fish and chips Friday special.

David James
David James

Lovely place. A real find! Friday night is fish 'n' chip night, and was one of the best I've tasted! Excellent food at really good prices with great service. What's not to love, eh? Get ther if you can, I say!!!

Jodie
Jodie

I absolutely love this pub. It ticks my personal pub-preference boxes! It's small and cosy with a lovely atmosphere. My brother argues it's a winter pub (and I can say I have had a lovely roast and pint there when escaping the cold), but I'd say it is an all-year rounder. Petite perfection if they were to rotate a few more guest ales on tap!

Robin Ackroyd
Robin Ackroyd

Literally just stumbled across this glorious pub this afternoon whilst exploring. We arrived towards the end of service and wasn’t disappointed. We were met with an extremely warm welcome. Glorious home cooked food delivered to a high standard. Definitely well worth a visit.

Stephen Dixon
Stephen Dixon

Booked for Saturday lunch after Dartmoor walk. Wasn't busy. Sat outside, very dog friendly. Water bowl and lead hooks on all picnic benches. Service by Evonne was excellent. Good selection of drinks and all home cooked food is on the daily boards (see photos) Sharing fish platter was superb. Will definitely return. Local village shop is worth a visit too Another visit for my father's 85th birthday. Great food, drink and service again. Definitely worth the half hour drive from Exeter

Location

Welcome to The Carpenters Arms, a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque setting of Ilsington, near Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon. Located at Old Town Hill, Ilsington, Newton Abbot TQ13 9RG, this charming village pub perfectly embodies the warmth and hospitality of traditional English dining.

As you approach The Carpenters Arms, you are greeted by its inviting exterior that promises a cozy retreat. Inside, the atmosphere is alive with friendly chatter, punctuated by the laughter of locals enjoying their time together. It's a place where you feel right at home, whether you're a visitor or a long-time patron.

The menu at The Carpenters Arms showcases a delightful array of delectable dishes that celebrate classic British pub fare. For a truly indulgent experience, don’t miss the Steak & Ale Pie, a recurring favorite among guests. The flaky, golden crust gives way to tender beef stewed to perfection, embodying the essence of comfort food. Nicky C raves about it, saying it was an “amazing meal” that kept him coming back for more.

Fridays are particularly special here, as they host their renowned Fish and Chips Night. Diners rave about the crispy, light batter enveloping succulent fish, served with homemade tartare sauce. Annabel Lau describes it as “delicious,” emphasizing its well-balanced flavors and perfectly spiced curry sauce. A dish as simple as fish and chips is transformed into a dining experience worth savoring.

But the delights don’t end there. For those seeking a lighter option, the thin-crust pizza garners high praise, with Lloyd Evans noting the “genuinely really good” flavors and crispy base. And it's not just the food that excels; the service is famously welcoming, as the staff are eager to make your experience memorable. You may even find yourself bonding with the friendly locals—and their dogs!

The Carpenters Arms is not simply a pub; it’s a gathering place where the community comes alive. With every visit, you are bound to create lasting memories, whether it’s indulging in their special dishes or sharing a drink with friends.

In summary, The Carpenters Arms in Ilsington is a must-visit destination for anyone appreciating genuine hospitality, excellent food, and a rustic yet warm environment. With quality that reflects Devon's culinary heritage, this pub is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart and palate.