You come across many a family-run restaurant in the West Country but perhaps none with quite the same history as the Brendon Arms. This quintessential, welcoming Inn has been owned and run by the Brendon family since 1872 - that's over 150 years! - and it still boasts a famously warm welcome, as well as a postcard-perfect view over Bude's inner harbour and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
One of the Brendon Arms calling cards is the absolutely massive beer garden, which is buzzing on glorious summer days. Head inside and you'll find a country pub that has retained much of it's old-world charms, with wooden ceiling beams and old knick-knacks on the walls. Meanwhile, contemporary touches like plush banquettes, solid oak tables and a renovated bar add to the cosy vibe of the pub.
The menu is equally traditional, delving into comforting pub classics like fish and chips, ham, egg and chips, breaded wholetail scampi and beef lasagne, all made in-house. Burgers are another house speciality, with a buttermilk chicken burger and homemade beef burger both proving popular, and coming with lettuce, tomato, burger relish and dressed salad on the side.
Vegetarians are catered for too - as well as veggie options like a broccoli pasta bake and Thai vegetable curry, there's also a chargrilled halloumi and mushroom burger, as well as a goat's cheese salad with rosemary-roasted butternut squash, caramelised onion, toasted pine nuts and mixed leaves. Those with kids or smaller appetites should check out the smaller portions menu, which includes scampi, cheese and tomato pizza and breaded chicken goujons.
Meanwhile, the beer selection is top notch, with a range of excellent real ales from different Cornish producers and national brewers. The Brendon Arms also has a number of overnight rooms available upstairs - perfect for anyone hoping to explore Bude and the surrounding area for a few days.