Union Inn
Step into a truly old-worldly pub experience on Dartmoor, where time seems to slow down. You'll instantly feel that warm, friendly village atmosphere – it's the kind of place where locals and visitors alike are greeted with a smile. The staff were genuinely helpful, always happy to recommend from our fair selection of well-kept beers, ales, and ciders.
The home-cooked meals are truly amazing and delicious, offering wholesome, tasty dishes that are incredibly good value. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the moor, offering a wonderfully cosy and inviting atmosphere.
P&P
Background....
The Union Inn, a cornerstone of Moretonhampstead's town centre, boasts a rich and complex history stretching back to medieval times. More than just a public house, it has served as a charitable asset, a brewhouse, a family home, and a steadfast community hub, with its story deeply interwoven with the evolution of the town itself.
The building's origins are believed to be in the late medieval period, with local historians suggesting it may have initially served as an overflow for the nearby almshouses, which functioned as a hospital offering hospitality to pilgrims and travellers. The structure itself is thought to have been a medieval Hall House. The earliest definitive documentary evidence of its use as an inn dates to a lease from 1686, which makes reference to a brewhouse on the premises.
For a significant period, the inn was known as The Swan. It was owned by a Church Charity, and the rent collected from the innkeeper was used for the upkeep and repair of the parish church, St. Andrew's. This connection highlights the inn's central role in the civic and religious life of early Moretonhampstead.
The name of the inn changed in 1807 to the Union Inn. This was not, as is common with other "Union" inns, a reference to the local Poor Law Union. Instead, the new name was chosen to commemorate the 1801 Act of Union, which formally united Great Britain with Ireland.
The inn has a remarkable and long-standing family connection. Between 1828 and 1830, the landlord was a Mr. John Colridge. In a testament to the enduring nature of family ties in the town, the current owners, Dave and Siân Colridge, are direct descendants of this 19th-century publican. Siân has been the owner since 2004, continuing a family legacy that spans nearly two centuries
Architecturally, the Union Inn retains many of its historic features, though it has adapted over the centuries. The original 17th-century stables, once essential for a tavern providing for visitors to Moretonhampstead, have been thoughtfully converted into the "Stable Room," a dining area that pays homage to its past. The "Linhay Bar" is situated where the old linhay, a type of open-fronted farm building, once stored hay for the horses. After the Second World War, an oak-panelled wall that separated the bar from the lounge was removed to create a more open space. More recently, a fireplace, likely dating to the early 20th century, was uncovered from behind a modern fireback.
Throughout its long history, the Union Inn has remained a focal point for the community of Moretonhampstead. From its early days supporting the parish church to its present role as a venue for local events, such as a recent World War II-themed quiz to raise funds for a town memorial, the inn has consistently provided a warm welcome and a place for residents and visitors to gather. It stands today as the oldest trading tavern in Moretonhampstead, a living piece of Dartmoor's heritage.
