The London Inn
Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you we stumbled upon a truly wonderful local pub that was far more spacious and sprawling inside than we ever imagined.
The atmosphere was spot-on, centred around a long bar and a friendly barmaid who were quick with a perfectly poured pint. We both settled in with a crisp, refreshing Jail Ale and a smooth Doom Bar.
What makes this place truly memorable, though, is its character. Beyond the great beer, we loved the dedicated areas for socialising, complete with a pool table and darts. The real showstopper, however, was the absolutely massive beer garden a perfect sun-trap for a summer's day.
And we can't forget the quirky touches. The cool Beefeater mannequin and full suit of armour watching over the place gave it a unique and unforgettable charm. It’s a great find and a spot we’ll definitely remember.
P&P
Bacground....
19th and 20th Century History: A photo from around 1910 shows the London Inn acting as a "Posting House," a hub for horse-drawn travel. The sign above the door also advertised a large garage space, showing its transition with the times from horse power to automobiles. The innkeeper at the time was Ernest Webber, who was also a known figure in the community and an accomplished horseman.
A "Listed" Building: While the pub itself is not a listed building, many in the surrounding area are, including the famous medieval bridge just down the road. The London Inn fits into the historical fabric of a village with deep roots and a rich past
Historic Roots: The pub's building is a listed structure, with some parts potentially dating back to the early 18th century, though it's likely a remodeling of an even older building. The London Inn in a nearby town of Ivybridge, which has its own deep history, and the Horrabridge location has its own story as a local institution.
The "London" Name: While its history is very local to Horrabridge and not London itself, the village sits on an ancient road that once connected Plymouth to London. Many "London Inns" or "London Hotels" in Devon were named because of their location on this old coaching route, serving travelers on their journey.
A "Listed" Building: While the pub itself is not a listed building, many in the surrounding area are, including the famous medieval bridge just down the road. The London Inn fits into the historical fabric of a village with deep roots anHistoric Roots: The pub's building is a listed structure, with some parts potentially dating back to the early 18th century, though it's likely a remodeling of an even older building. The London Inn in a nearby town of Ivybridge, which has its own deep history, and the Horrabridge location has its own story as a local institution.
A Village Hub: The pub has long been a central part of the Horrabridge community. It's mentioned in local parish events, and it sits close to the village's historic 15th-century bridge over the River Walkham.
Contemporary Appeal: Today, the London Inn is known for its traditional-meets-modern feel. It's popular with locals and visitors alike, offering a cozy bar, a large beer garden, and a calendar of regular events like quiz nights.
It seems that while the London Inn in Horrabridge is a well-known local pub, detailed historical information about its specific building and ownership over the centuries is quite limited. However, I found some interesting context that helps paint a picture of its role in the village
and a rich past.
In short, the pub's history is less about specific, detailed records and more about its long-standing role as a central and evolving hub for the Horrabridge community.
Find us on YouTube