North Devon pub crowned Best Destination Pub in Devon

The Rising Sun in Lynmouth has been named Best Destination Pub in Devon in the Muddy Stilettos Awards for 2024.

This 14th-century pub offers a unique experience with 14 bedrooms for guests and is known for its historic associations with smugglers and Romantic poets. 

Owner Matt Clark, who has restaurants in East Devon and had a luxury catering business and cookery school in France brings a French culinary influence to the pub's menu.

He said: “We use great local ingredients and focus on quality, the menu is definitely influenced by my time in France as well as being inspired by other classic dishes from around the world.”

The pub has a strong local feel, with many returning customers from all over the UK and even the world.

“Locals love it, and people who visited as children come back as adults. The Rising Sun has a special connection with our guests.”

Matt also owns the Rock House in Lynmouth and Land and Sea restaurant at the marina in Exmouth with more opening later this year.

He attributes the pub's success to the dedication of his team and their focus on excellent food and service.

“If you get the food and the service right, everything else falls into place,” he said.

“We’ve got a really good team that can’t do enough for our guests.”

Speaking about the award, Matt said: “It's a testament to our hard work and commitment to keeping the food amazing and the rooms updated. We’ve been really busy on social media, promoting not just the pub but also the surrounding area. We’re proud of the team and all the hard work paying off.”

Looking ahead, Matt plans to expand further, seeking new sites to continue offering his successful culinary experiences.