Something for everybody
If in rural Devon, discerning diners would be well-advised to consider a visit to the Nobody Inn. Set against a stunning backdrop of the Dartmoor scenery, this 16th Century inn is about more than just the views and the atmosphere. A group of 15 of us spent the best part of a recent weekend day at the Inn, staying for both lunch and dinner, and the experience could not have been more positive. We were welcomed effusively (albeit having made booking and related arrangements in advance) and no problem seemed too great for the staff to resolve, particularly given the size of our group, which included young children, and a marriage proposal too! In terms of the food, we chose from the a la carte at lunch and then benefited from a set menu for all our group in the evening. Food is solid, hearty and reassuring, even if there is perhaps an emphasis more on the traditional than the innovative. My lunchtime rack of ribs in honey, soy, paprika and ginger was superb, with the flavours integrating well amidst the tenderly juicy meat. Others in our group also highly rated, for example, the steak and ale pie, accompanied by horseradish mash and a very generous serving of vegetables. In the evening, we enjoyed a wide range of salads and buffet food such as quiche (the latter was excellent, and undoubtedly homemade) as well as an intensely satisfying Shepherd’s Pie. The drinks deserve a mention too with the Nobody Inn not only brewing its own beer, but making a range of 250 different wines available. The list here would be enough to embarrass many a London restaurant and we selected from the impressive range, an Ayala champagne, a Falanghina from southern Italy and a sublime 2010 Ribera del Duero. Local cheeses provide an excellent way to round off a first class experience.