London to Cornwall via A303 - Pub for lunch?

[OzzyR1]

Travelling down from London to Devon/Cornwall border next week, not in any great rush as don't have to be there till around 4 in the afternoon.

Probably leaving NE London at about 10.30 and going via A303. Was wondering if anyone knew of any decent pubs to stop at for lunch in the myriad of little villages there seem to be either side of that road?

Thinking somewhere in the Amesbury - Ilminster stretch - any recommendations?

Google seems unusually silent on the matter, either that or my searching skills are poor.

[djgritt]

Come off at Sparkford, head towards Yeovil, and when you reach a village called 'Mudford' there is a pub there called the Half Moon. I use this place a fair bit and travel there from Sherborne, and always come out satisfied with what was eaten.

Generous portions and very good quality food too.

http://www.thehalfmooninn.co.uk/hotel.html

[dirkgently]

For good food I can recommend the Dolphin at Ilminster, but if you are looking for a "gastro pub" it wont be for you. It`s just good grub at a reasonable price.

[OzzyR1]

Not bothered about "gastro-pub", not really my thing tbh, too much of that in London.

Thanks for the couple of names, will check them out.

[tog]

There's the Red Lion at East Chisenbury, which is about 10 minutes off the A303 north from Amesbury. I know you said you don't like gastropubs, but the food is exceptionally good (Michelin starred) and on weekdays they do three courses for £20 at lunch.

[motor mad]

We stopped in at The Red Lion in Babcary. Food was excellent and the place had loads of character.

[B3NNL]

Keep going past Sparkford roundabout and about 3 miles on the left is Waynes Bistro, its a roadside restaurant run by an Ex Squaddie, does absolutely fantastic homemade food and the most amazing homemade burgers they also do a superb "Currywurst mit pommes" Seriously worth a shout and it's on the 303 so won't take you off your route.

[OzzyR1]

Thanks for all the suggestions, a broad spectrum of things to consider from Michelin stars to layby cafes - thats whats good about PH.

Cheers.

[thescamper]

Jaspers 'Bistro'in Ilminster, does good food.

Also the Flintlock Pub in Marsh

Edited by thescamper on Wednesday 9th July 11:30

[billzeebub]

When not in a rush I usually drop down and take the A30, especially if the weathers good...although it's single track all the way and you can get held up by slow moving traffic/caravans/lorries..I just pootle along with the roof down through the numerous villages and lovely countryside, plenty of pubs crop up along the road. Takes a hour or two longer but I love this route to Cornwall

[CAPP0]

Oddly enough I was going to ask the same question last week as we were travelling the same route. The Wiki doesn't have much to offer. We travelled from Kent to Mousehole and so I made the usual stop at the Double Locks in Exeter, although we could have done with something earlier than that. Have been using the Double Locks for about 25 years now although this was the first stop in a long time. It hasn't changed at all - very "rough n ready" albeit with good friendly staff and decent non-gourmet grub, but I think the menu has diminished slightly. Access is always interesting with the narrow bridges, for those who know it, it's something of a challenge in a FFRR! Do-able though!

[Garvin]

Come off the A303 at Sparkford and go a few miles North to Lovington and take lunch at The Pilgrims of Lovington - not a pub but a fantastic 'restaurant with with rooms'! Let Sally look after you whilst Jools, who is an absolute maestro in the kitchen, cooks up a fantastic lunch for you. I can't recommend this place highly enough but you'll have to book and arrive 'on time' as Jools works on his own. Oh, and don't be in a rush!

[Saleen836]

If you are making the trip on a Friday be prepared for delays getting past Stonehenge.

[London GT3]

If I travel this route (North of London to Devon) I always stop at The Fox and Hounds just off the A303 at East Knoyle. Traditional pub with great Fish & Chips. In fact the menu has always been very good.

[SWH]

CAPP0 said:

Oddly enough I was going to ask the same question last week as we were travelling the same route. The Wiki doesn't have much to offer. We travelled from Kent to Mousehole and so I made the usual stop at the Double Locks in Exeter, although we could have done with something earlier than that. Have been using the Double Locks for about 25 years now although this was the first stop in a long time. It hasn't changed at all - very "rough n ready" albeit with good friendly staff and decent non-gourmet grub, but I think the menu has diminished slightly. Access is always interesting with the narrow bridges, for those who know it, it's something of a challenge in a FFRR! Do-able though!

Think it's now owned by a chain rather than the full on BBQ rough and ready days of the 90's... Brie and bacon loaf was a particular favourite, well that and the beer; seem to recall the speed bumps were a little unfriendly too, that's if you successfully negotiated the bridge of course

Good effort in a FFRR too.

[loafer123]

Not flash food, but a lovely setting...

http://www.themayfly.co.uk

[Bullett]

We normally stop at the Crown and Victoria in Tintinhull just off the A303 North of Yeovil.

The Cafe at the Haynes museum isn't bad either, good museum as well.