The Carpenters Arms

Flower-bedecked without, warm and buzzy within, this pub-with-rooms in a Chew valley hamlet occupies three old, knocked-through miners’ cottages. It has been run for many years by Simon Pledge for small pub group Buccaneer Holdings and, say ex-hotelier readers, is a pleasing blend of ‘the personal and professional’. It’s perfect for all seasons, with picnic tables at the front, a no-smoking terrace at the side, and plenty of atmosphere within, with stone walls, beams, settles, log-burners and comfy seating. Food is served in the bar and two dining rooms by ‘obliging and helpful’ staff. Attractive bedrooms are ‘modern without being drab’, with a big, padded headboard and jolly, modern artwork clearly chosen with thought and not bought as a job lot. Five have a walk-in shower, the rest a bath with shower over. ‘Housekeeping and decor were in excellent condition.’ Good-quality pub grub includes Brixham fish from the day boats and Thai green vegetable curry, while Sunday roasts come with ‘gigantic portions of vegetables and potatoes’. Breakfast gets a thumbs-up for good hot toast served with the cooked dishes. (S and JJ)