Kestor Inn
Inside, prepare to be charmed by the beautiful stone and wooden beam interior, which has such a unique character, it might even remind you of a cozy Rocky Mountain or Scandinavian mountain lodge truly brilliant, You'll find an excellent selection on tap, and we absolutely loved trying a refreshing pint of Neap Tide and a delightful pint of Devon Mist. The barman was incredibly helpful and welcoming, making the whole experience even better.
And oh, the food. We ordered something from the menu, and it was absolutely delicious – truly home-cooked food that went down a treat. You can taste the care in every bite.
Its a truly special spot, blending the best of Dartmoor's natural beauty with warm hospitality and fantastic food and drink.
P&P
Background....
In the Early 20th Century: The Kestor Inn itself reportedly dates back to the early 20th century (around 1910, according to its website). It was built using stone from the nearby Kestor Tor, giving it its name.
Successor to the "Half Moon Inn": Interestingly, the Kestor Inn wasn't the first pub in Manaton. It succeeded an earlier establishment called the "Half Moon Inn". The Half Moon House, where the old pub was located, was originally a late 16th-century farmhouse that was later converted into cottages and then a pub.
Why the Change? The landlord of the Half Moon Inn decided to build the Kestor Inn in the early 20th century. The Half Moon Inn's license was eventually revoked in 1918 due to "insanitary condition and lack of stabling," and perhaps because the Kestor Inn was considered more conveniently located in the village, especially given its proximity to the popular tourist attraction of Becky Falls. The landlord was presumably content to move his business to the newer premises.
A "Character Destination Village Inn": Today, the Kestor Inn is described as a popular character destination village inn, known for its spectacular views over Dartmoor. It's the only pub in Manaton and serves the surrounding villages, hamlets, and towns, as well as attracting year-round tourist trade.
Recent Refurbishments: The property has been subject to considerable upgrades and improvements by recent owners, ensuring it's presented to a very high standard.
Community Hub: It's well-supported by the local community and has a reputation for good homemade pub food, well-kept local beers, and a well-stocked bar. It also hosts community events like a popular Sunday carvery roast, a darts team, a weekly quiz night, and occasional live music.
So, while the building itself isn't centuries old like some Dartmoor pubs, the Kestor Inn's history is tied to the evolution of local hospitality in Manaton, taking over from an earlier, more traditional pub and adapting to become the beloved community and tourist hub it is today.
