The Pack Horse
Nestled in the charming village of South Brent on Dartmoor, is a truly fantastic and homely pub. It perfectly captures the spirit of a 'proper local,' greeting you with a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home the moment you walk in.
This welcoming vibe is made even better by the genuinely nice and friendly staff, who are attentive and clearly care about providing a great experience. It’s the kind of authentic, friendly service that really makes a place stand still.
Inside, the pub has a really cool and interesting decor that gives it plenty of unique character. It’s the perfect backdrop for settling in and enjoying their excellent selection of drinks. It was great to see they keep a good pint, and enjoying a classic Tribute and a refreshing pint of Neck Oil was a real treat.
One of the pub's major highlights is its nice, big beer garden. It’s the perfect, spacious spot to relax, chat, and soak up the surroundings, especially when the weather is good.
All in all, The Pack Horse Inn is just a great little local pub and a true gem on Dartmoor. It’s highly recommended for anyone seeking an authentic, friendly, and thoroughly enjoyable pub experience.
Background....
Medieval Roots: Structural evidence suggests a building has been on the site since at least the 16th century. Dendrochronology (tree-ring dating) of timbers from the oldest beams has revealed dates from 1618 and 1635.
A "Posting Inn": The name comes from its function as a "posting inn" on the ancient pack-horse route from Exeter to Plymouth. The route was turnpiked after 1755, which increased its importance and made South Brent a key staging post.
The Building's Evolution: The two-storey stone building was largely rebuilt in 1674, with the date carved into a stone over the front door. At one point, the pub had a taproom and a lounge that doubled as the family's front room. Rumors of a secret passage from the pub to the church or priory have never been confirmed. The pub also once had two cottages attached, which were owned by Georges' Brewery in the early 20th century.
Historical Records: Black-and-white photographs of the Pack Horse Inn from October 1969 can be found in the Devon Heritage Centre archives.
The Pack Horse Inn, South Brent, has a history that goes much deeper than its modern-day use, with its roots as a significant stop on an old transport route and as a central hub of the community for centuries.
Location
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