Inside the UK’s weirdest pub that’s ‘built in a shoe’ with Egyptian coffin, secret bar… and a Minotaur
A COSY trip to the pub is unmatched during the autumn and winter months – but did you know you could head to an unusual spot that doubles as a tourist attraction?
The Highwayman Inn sits on the edge of Dartmoor, in Devon – but it isn’t your average 13th century inn.
Instead, inside is an emporium of artifacts and curiosities.
The inn is often dubbed the ‘most unusual pub’ in Britain thanks to being full of random objects, and even ghostly sightings of “a burly sea captain, the flamboyant cavalier Samuel, and a provocative serving wench in a mop cap”, according to the inn’s website.
From the outside, visitors are greeted by a nod to the ‘old lady who lived in a shoe’ fairytale, as part of the front of the building forms a giant black boot.
Then as you enter inside, the walls, floors and ceilings have been formed of natural wood and stone from the area.
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And in every nook and cranny there is something interesting, from animal figurines to an Egyptian-style sarcophagus.
There is even a £150 reward poster for the capture of “two highwaymen known to be causing grief among Travellers in these Parts by Robbery of great violence”.
The poster also states: “Render this countryside free from such fiendish rogues.”
Visitors can venture down a once secret passage way as well, which leads them to the Rita Jone’s Locker Bar – it features a gothic door from an old whaling boat named the Diana, which was built in the mid 18th century.
The bar essentially looks like the boughs of a grand ship with wheels also hanging from the ceiling.
In another area, visitors will find the Hideaway, which is more intimate.
In the Coach Cabin Lounge, there are several horse-related items such as bridles and harnesses from the days horse-drawn carriages were used.
Then in Witchy Corner, guests will find a wishing bottle and tarot decorations.
Somewhere in the inn is even a 1.8 metre tall Minotaur, named Asterion.
Much of the menu is vegan and vegetarian, but there are some meat and fish options too.
For example, you could grab pie of the day with chips for £18 or a traditional Devonshire pasty and chips for £18 also.
Desserts include apple pie or Devil’s Chocolate Cake for £8.75 each.
Originally built as an inn in 1282, The Highwayman Inn later became an inn and farm with 20 acres of land.
Then in the 17th century it was renamed to the Golden Fleece, before Plymouth Breweries then renamed it the New Inn.
According to one visitor, the inn provides “an absolutely surreal experience, like stepping into a tardis whilst dining on an old ship all at once”.
For those wanting to enjoy the quirky pub for longer, you can stay in Cobweb Hall – a cottage just opposite the inn.
Inside, there are two bedrooms with four poster beds and each even has its own spiral staircase and Victorian-style bathroom.
The cottage also then has an open plan dining area and living room, as well as a kitchen.
It costs from £198 per night for both rooms, and there is a minimum stay of three nights.
The Highwayman Inn can be found in Sourton, which sits on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
It is just a six minute drive or 45 minute walk from Meldon Reservoir, which is a great spot for walking around a giant dam.
You can also see Meldon Viaduct just a short walk from the reservoir as well.
Drive slightly past Meldon and you will reach the town of Okehampton, where there are a number of shops, the Museum of Dartmoor Life and Okehampton Castle.
For other pubs and inns to explore, there is an incredible time-warp pub that’s so hidden it’s not even on the internet – and why you have barely a year left to visit.
Plus, the quaint village that’s home to the best pub in the UK – and it’s just 10 minutes from one of Britain’s best beaches.
