The Horse and Groom
Wow, stepping into The Horse and Groom felt like finding a real village community pub. This Mock Tudor-style pub instantly caught our eye.
Inside, the atmosphere was brilliant, and the selection on tap was excellent. They have a great range of local beers, ales, and ciders. We were chuffed to grab a Bittaford beer (of course) and a classic Jail Ale. The guy behind the bar was super nice, too, which always makes a difference. You can tell this pub is all about its fantastic drinks selection, which we absolutely loved. We even squeezed in a fun game of pool before heading outside.
Then it was time to explore the beer garden out front. It's got these amazing palm trees and incredible views looking at the viaduct. Plus, we totally fell for their clever beer barrels that had been turned into chairs – such a cool, unique touch. It's truly a cracking spot to enjoy a pint, whether you're inside by the bar or out in that unique garden.
P&P
Bacground....
The Horse and Groom you see today in Bittaford, Ivybridge, isn't actually in its original building. This traditional village pub, nestled within
Dartmoor National Park, has a rich past:
Original Location: The very first "Horse and Groom" was located in the building directly opposite the current pub.
A Multi-Purpose Hub: In its earliest form, the original site wasn't just a pub; it also served as a shop, a butcher's, and even a fuel station. This highlights its historical role as a central point for the local community.
Road Widening and Relocation (1933): The original site was semi-demolished around 1933 to allow for the widening of the road. Following this, the new Horse and Groom (the current building) was constructed.
Community Cornerstone: Since day one, the pub has always been the center of the village community. Interestingly, historical records show it was even a popular and safe place for patients of the nearby Moorhaven Asylum Hospital to visit between 1891 and 1992 (when the asylum closed).
Family Ownership and Awards: The current Horse and Groom has been proudly owned and run by the same family since 2002, with their experience in the pub trade dating back to 1995. They are a CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) recognised pub, having been featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide every consecutive year since becoming a freehouse in 2010. They've also won "Plymouth CAMRA Country Pub Of The Year" and "CAMRA Pub Of The Year" multiple times, including in 2020, 2022, and 2025.
Unique Features: Despite being a small village pub, they pride themselves on offering a good selection of freshly home-cooked traditional pub food, despite having one of the smallest pub kitchens in England! They're particularly well-known for their Gribbles steaks and prize-winning burgers. They also actively support local charities through events like their annual Cider and Sausage Sizzle and Real Ale Festival.
The Horse and Groom today stands as a testament to its enduring community spirit and dedication to quality food and drink, carrying forward a legacy that adapted and rebuilt itself over the centuries.
Find us on YouTube