The Leaping Salmon
A great village pub and restaurant. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted by a wonderfully bright interior that perfectly blends trendy, modern touches with comforting traditional features.
The focus here is clearly on quality, earning its reputation as a true foodie pub on the Moors. The selection of local ale and beer on tap is fair offering something for every palate. The bar staff were incredibly helpful and genuinely happy, making us feel right at home as we picked our refreshing pints.
With our drinks in hand, we headed out back to the tier-level beer garden, overlooking the picturesque village, it's nice place to chill and relax, especially on a warm, sunny day. It's the perfect spot to unwind.
The Leaping Salmon truly offers a fantastic mix of delicious food, great drinks, and a wonderfully welcoming ambiance, all wrapped up in a charming village setting.
P&P
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Early Origins: The building that now houses The Leaping Salmon was originally constructed as two cottages in the mid-18th century.
Evolution to an Inn: It later became known as "The New Inn" and operated under this name until 1951, when it was officially renamed "The Leaping Salmon." The name is fitting, as Horrabridge sits on the River Walkham, which is known for its salmon.
Recent History and Refurbishment: The pub closed in 2015, and there was a proposal to convert it into a co-operative store, which was ultimately refused planning permission. The building has since undergone a complete renovation and refurbishment by its local owners, who have aimed to maintain its charm and character. The current establishment focuses on fresh food and local produce, with features like inglenook fireplaces, stone walls, beamed ceilings, and a tiered beer garden. They also grow some of their own produce in a vegetable garden and poly-tunnel.
Current Operations: Today, The Leaping Salmon operates as a truly independent free house, offering food, drink, and accommodation. It's a family-run establishment known for its focus on community, respect for the environment, and sustainable, ethically conscious offerings. It also has three en-suite letting rooms.
The pub is situated within the historic part of Horrabridge, close to a Grade I listed bridge that possibly dates back to the 15th century. The village itself has a history tied to its river crossing, industrial activities like wool processing and mining, and its location within the Dartmoor National Park.
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