The Masons Arms

'The location is a short-break dream,' write regular visitors to Carol and Colin Slaney's creeper-covered 14th-century inn.  'Staff, mainly European trainees from a London college, attentive, polite and professional.' 'A fantastic place to stay.' Grade II listed, in the centre of a 'lovely, peaceful' National Trust village, it is an 'undemanding stroll' from Branscombe's shingle beach. Many of the bedrooms (some are large) are in cottages across a terrace set back from the pub. During the 'buzz' of the summer season, when the inn was 'busy with diners and drinkers of all ages', guests 'enjoyed peace and quiet' in their cottage room. 'Four-poster bed, chaise longue, a table and chairs in the secluded, flower-filled garden. Green hills with sheep and even a glimpse of the sea were in the background.' In the restaurant (three cosy small rooms) head chef Andrew Deam's cooking is commended. His menu might include seared West Country scallops with port wine shallot salad; grilled medallions of beef fillet. The extensive bar menu includes children's meals. 'Breakfast was excellent.' Booking is advised for meals in both restaurant and pub. Popular with dog owners. (Lee Ely, Mary Ellin Osmond, B and PB)