Northmore Arms
Unearth a Dartmoor treasure where every pint tastes of tradition and warmth. This beautiful old pub is a feast for the senses, with its cool, historical interior inviting you to linger and explore a little bit of local history. The intimate bar area feels like a secret haven, perfect for quiet conversations or lively banter. An impressive selection of great ciders, ales, and beers, at refreshingly good prices. Beyond the charming indoors, the lovely garden area offers a breath of fresh air, and with a wag of the tail, we're completely dog-friendly. It's all brought to life by the truly wonderful bar owners who make this more than just a pub.
P&P
Background....
A Historic Dartmoor Inn: The Story of the Northmore Arms
Nestled in the quiet hamlet of Wonson, within the parish of Throwleigh near Okehampton, the Northmore Arms is a public house steeped in history and local lore. Its story is a captivating journey from a humble cottage to a beloved community hub, bearing a name linked to a dramatic tale of fortune lost at the turn of a card.
The building's origins trace back to a labourer's cottage, which also operated as a cider house—a common feature in this apple-growing region of Devon. Here, local farmworkers and villagers would have gathered to drink cider, likely produced at the adjacent farm. In these early days, the establishment was simple, with two separate front rooms. One served as the bar, with cider and ale passed through a small hatch in a glazed partition to the customers. The other room housed a piano and was the scene of lively singalongs.
Later, the cider house evolved into a fully-fledged pub known as the New Inn. It served the community under this name for many years, becoming a well-known landmark on the edge of Dartmoor.
The most significant change in the pub's identity occurred in the early 1970s when it was renamed the Northmore Arms. This change immortalised the story of the Northmore family, who were the residents of the nearby Wonson Manor. According to local legend, one of the Northmore squires was a compulsive gambler. In a high-stakes game of cards, he wagered his entire estate on a single hand and tragically lost everything to the ace of diamonds. As a permanent reminder of his folly, an engraving of the fateful card is said to be displayed on a wall within Wonson Manor. The pub adopted the family name, ensuring this piece of local history would be passed down through generations.
Architecturally, the pub has also evolved. What was once two separate rooms was opened up approximately 50 years ago to create a single, more spacious bar area, fitting a new, larger bar. Despite these changes, the Northmore Arms retains the character and charm of a traditional Dartmoor inn.
Today, the Northmore Arms, affectionately known locally as 'The Wonson', continues to be the heart of its community. Alongside the village hall, it provides a vital social space for the residents of Throwleigh, Wonson, and the surrounding areas, as well as a welcoming stop for walkers and visitors exploring the rugged beauty of the national park. Recent reviews from 2024 indicate it remains a cherished local, praised for its friendly atmosphere under its current ownership.
