The Drewe Arms Community Pub
What a fantastic story.....This isn't just any pub; it's a true testament to community spirit. It's clear that the folks who stepped up to save this beloved local deserve all the credit in the world. They've not only kept the doors open but also maintained a truly impressive selection of beers on tap. You can tell they take real pride in their
offerings, and it shows. But what really makes this place special is its incredible history, particularly of its oldest landlady. Imagine, serving behind the bar for 75 years and retiring at the remarkable age of 99. What an absolute inspiration to us all. Her dedication and longevity are a rare find and truly embody the heart of a community pub.
And to top it off, this gem is nestled right in the middle of a beautiful English village, offering a genuine slice of Devon history. It'sts the kind of place where you can really soak in the local atmosphere and appreciate the rich heritage all around you. It’s more than just a pub; it's a living piece of the village's story.
P&P
Background....
Early History and Architecture: The pub is a Grade II* listed building, dating back to the 17th century, though there may have been a public house on the site even earlier, in the 16th century. It was modernized in the late 19th century and is constructed of cob on a stone base, with stone chimneystacks and a distinctive roof combining reed thatching, corrugated iron, and slate. The building has a T-shape plan, and its interior, while largely modernized in the 19th century, still retains some 17th-century woodwork. It's also recognized on the Campaign for Real Ale's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors.
Name Changes and Julius Drewe: The pub was known as the "New Inn" in the 1890s, then changed to the "Druid Arms," and finally became "The Drewe Arms" in the 1920s. This last name change was at the instigation of Julius Drewe, the tea merchant who built the nearby Castle Drogo.
Mabel Mudge - The Longest-Serving Landlady: A significant part of the Drewe Arms' history is its association with Mabel Mudge, who took over the pub in 1919 and ran it for an incredible 75 years until her retirement in 1994 at the age of 99. This tenure earned her the record of the longest-serving landlady in the UK. Until her
retirement, the pub was part of a working farm.
Community Ownership and Reopening: After Mabel Mudge's retirement, the pub went through various brewery ownerships (Whitbread, Enterprise Inns, Stonegate Inns), and successive landlords struggled to make it profitable. The pub eventually closed in late 2022. However, the local community, determined to save this vital village hub, rallied together. Through a successful crowdfunding campaign, they raised over £550,000 to purchase the freehold of the Drewe Arms. The Drewsteignton Community Society Limited now owns and runs the pub as a community asset, and it officially reopened in March 2024. The community's vision is to make it a vibrant hub, hosting various activities beyond just serving food and drinks.
