The White Thorn Inn
Standing proudly from the village street, you'll immediately spot the lovely looking White Thorn Inn, a true beacon of Dartmoor hospitality. Step inside, and you'll find a wonderfully spacious and welcoming interior, with a prominent bar ready to greet you with country cheer.
This is truly another proper Dartmoor country pub, absolutely beloved by walkers and cyclists alike. We even chatted with a friendly lady at the bar who had just conquered a ten-mile trek and was certainly ready for a well-deserved refreshment.
Speaking of refreshments, we were so impressed by the friendly barmaid who was incredibly helpful. She took the time to explain where the different ales were from, describing their colours and even what they tasted like and even offered a taster – it made choosing our pints an absolute delight! We settled on a refreshing pint of Jail Ale and a lively Dragon's Pioneer Pale Ale.
With our drinks in hand, we headed out to the beautiful beer garden, a real gem overlooking the sprawling moors and rolling countryside. What a view! And for those visiting with little ones, there's even a play area for the kids, making it a perfect stop for the whole family to unwind.
P&P
Bacground....
Origins and Replacement:
The current White Thorn Inn building was constructed in the 1930s.
It replaced a much older "Old White Thorn Inn" that was situated just a few yards to the south-east. That original inn is now believed to be a cottage (White Thorn Cottage). This indicates a long tradition of an inn operating on or very near this site in Shaugh Prior.
Evolution of the Building:
The 1930s building largely retained its original form for many years.
More recently, the ground floor underwent a complete refurbishment. Walls between the public bar, a ground-floor bedroom, and the lounge bar were removed to create the larger, open-plan public bar/lounge area seen today. There is also now a restaurant upstairs.
Community and Location:
The White Thorn Inn is described as a "proper community village pub", very much at the heart of Shaugh Prior.
Its location on the fringes of Dartmoor makes it a popular spot for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. It's only about a mile from the Plym Valley Walking and Cycle Path (note: the search results mention both "Plym Valley Walking and Cycle Path" and "National Cycle Route 27" for the Royal Oak Inn in Meavy - it's good to clarify the specific route if you intend to cycle there).
It's noted for being a convenient stop before or after walks in the area, including the Plym Valley woodland walks and Burrator Reservoir (a 15-minute drive away).
Atmosphere and Offerings:
It offers a warm welcome for families, including dogs, and even has a hitching rail for horses!
There's outdoor seating, a play area for children ("Black Thorn" area), and even occasionally has goats grazing nearby.
Inside, it boasts a roaring fire for colder months, creating a cozy atmosphere.
The pub serves hearty homemade food (including a popular carvery) and local drinks, notably award-winning Dartmoor Brewery beers like Jail Ale and Legend.
It's known for having live music (often on Saturday evenings) and other events like quiz nights.
Recent landlords, George and Laura, took over in 2023, refurbishing the interior and transforming the outside space.
Anecdotal/Historical Mentions:
An old literary reference (from Eden Phillpotts' "The Three Brothers," 1909) mentions "The White Thorn" public-house as a central hub of activity in Shaugh Prior, suggesting its long-standing role in the village's social life.
A unique anecdote mentions "Flash" the Dartmoor pony, owned by a former landlord, occasionally being allowed into the public bar during summer months.
In summary, the White Thorn Inn is not just a pub; it's a vital part of the Shaugh Prior community with a history that, while its current building is 1930s, continues a much older tradition of hospitality in the village. It's embraced its Dartmoor fringe location, catering to locals, families, walkers, and offering a traditional, welcoming atmosphere.
Find us on YouTube