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Hours
Wed
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thu
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fri
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sat
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
MICHELIN
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
MICHELIN
View more on MICHELIN GuideRATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, European, British, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, View
MICHELIN Guide's Point of View
Husband and wife, Mark and Sarah Dodson, run this pretty thatched pub in a secluded little village, which boasts spectacular views over Exmoor’s rollin...
Read more on MICHELIN GuideOne MICHELIN Star: High quality cooking, worth a stop!
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Details
About
We are a relaxed 13th century village pub with first class dining, easy parking and great views from the dining room. Tuesday to Friday we offer a set lunch £38.00 for 3 courses, as well as our a la carte menu. Informal a la carte dining in the evening, tasting menu by prior arrangement. Dog friendly in our bar and outside areas. We are closed all day Sunday & Monday.
PRICE RANGE
₹2,400.00 – ₹3,928.00
CUISINES
European, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
699 reviews
Excellent
573
Very good
76
Average
37
Poor
8
Terrible
5
U1080KTanna
London16 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
This place is a total gem. The food was really tasty and so well presented. The fixed price three course lunch was very good value indeed considering the Michelin star. The staff were very accommodating about allergies that we had warned about in advance and they were able to adapt the menu really well, giving lots of attractive options. Such a friendly welcome from the owners and all the staff. The village is very pretty too, as an added bonus. Thank you
Written 2 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthernFoodFan
London51 contributions
May 2024 • couples
We have just visited during our honeymoon and were blown away. The team were extremely accommodating after finding out our reservation had been accidentally cancelled, this was hugely appreciated. The team were amazing with our dog, we were in the bar area and they showed nothing but kindness towards him (even after his barking!). We have visited many fine dining restaurants around the UK and this has to be up there as one of the best! Casual, relaxed atmosphere with impeccable service. We had a mix of the set menu and a la cart because my partner wanted to try the blue cheese starter and I had my eyes on the raspberry soufflé, all of which were 10/10. To top our experience off, we were greeted by the chef which was a lovely surprise.
Written 15 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom W
28 contributions
May 2024 • family
We visited The Masons Arms on Saturday 11 May 2024 for lunch for 4 persons and was thoroughly pleased!!.
The food was superb (justifies its Michelin star status), the staff and overall service was on point and the setting was picturesque - we were fortunate that the weather was very pleasant on the day and so we were treated to some lovely views of the Devon countryside.
The food consisted of a selection of home-made breads, a 3-course lunch and petis fours to finish. One person in our party has food allergies but we were thoroughly impressed at how they were able to accommodate for this and still offer the same dining experience.
We would happily return!
Written 12 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter W
Blandford Saint Mary81 contributions
Sept 2024 • friends
We chose the Masons Arms for a joint celebration birthday lunch. We had heard that it was a Michelin starred restaurant and it certainly lived up to this reputation. From the minute we walked it we were treated so well, being served drinks in a lounge whist choosing from the menu. Having been shown to our table we were served by excellent staff who knew exactly what each guest had ordered. The food was amazingly good and beautifully presented. At the end we were given a selection of petit fours for our birthdays! Quite simply one of the best restaurants we have been to, if only we didn’t live 90 miles away.
Written 13 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah S
Eastleigh22 contributions
Sept 2023 • couples
Had previously been to The Masons Arms and it was exceptional,but sadly not so much this time. 2 of us had some nice starters but main course Turbot was underwhelming, sadly the 6 cheeses that followed for desert continued with the same theme. The Tawny port was good as was the blue mountain coffee. The table took ages to clear after each course and we had to pay at the bar as we seemed to be ignored. sadly the worse part of the evening were the staff, whom were not friendly or engaging,
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony J
London57 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
Although the welcome and the service were excellent, we were disappointed in the food. The presentation was first class, but the taste of both course lacked any punch and was really quite bland.
We were very disappointed as we had come quite a long way and were really looking forward to something special and a gastronomic memory.
Written 4 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rosie t
Bampton9 contributions
Nov 2023 • family
Excellent food as usual. Can particularly recommend the artichoke soup and they never fail to please with their souffles.
We had a family member visit and visited three restaurants this week. Can highly rate the food and the surroundings.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeNicholls
Dieppe12 contributions
Sept 2022 • none
We went to the Masons Arms yesterday to celebrate my wife's birthday. We were a family party of 6. We all had the 3 course set menu which was excellent value at £29.50. The venison terrine we chose as a starter was delicious. The main courses were both very good and the banana souffles with chocolate sauce was divine. The bar where the sole 6 seater table is situated was a delightful semi-private dining area and the service was impeccable and warm. The various petit fours which accompanied our coffees were a perfect finishing touch. We will be going back.
Written 28 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eddy F
17 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
Just had an absolutely wonderful experience at The Masons Arms. It was for my wife's birthday. The staff were friendly, helpful and professional from our arrival to when we left. My wife is dairy free and they explained they could adapt every dish (starters and main courses) to accommodate her. My blue cheese arancini starter was a delight, the beef fillet cooked to perfection and the chocolate delice was, well, delicious. She had a lovely ham hock and chicken terrine to start followed by monkfish wrapped in prosciutto I tried both and they were fabulous. The accompanying wine was also excellent. A highly satisfactory experience.
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Magdalena P
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • couples
We visited the Mason Arms yesterday evening and all I can say our experience was absolutely fantastic. The food was exquisite, cooked to perfection and the staff was extremely attentive, without over bearing. Lovely and friendly atmosphere, I would highly recommend this place.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OldHound88
Cape Town21 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
The Mason's Arms is a pretty thatched pub and restaurant in the village of Knowstone on the edge of Exmoor. The restaurant has one Michelin star and scored 4/10 for its cooking in The Good Food Guide 2020. The food is a mix of Modern British and Classic French. The modern dining room is at the rear with pleasant views over the surrounding farmland. The bare wooden tables are in keeping with the informal atmosphere.
The wine list had bottles ranging from £18.50 to £195 with a good selection of everyday wines by the glass starting at £4.50. The average markup is a reasonable 2-3 times. Sample references were Kleine Zalze, Bush Vines, Chenin Blanc, 2019 at £22 that you can find in the High Street for £8 and Albarino, Casel Caeiro, Rias Baixas, 2017 at £35 compared to its retail price of £15.
On the day we visited most people seemed to order the set lunch which is excellent value at £29.50 for three courses. A wider selection of dishes was available on the a la carte menu with more expensive ingredients and more complex cooking. Starters ranged from £9.50 to £13.50; Mains from £22.50 to £31; and Desserts from £9.50 to £12.50.
The meal began with two types of bread served with butter, and oil and balsamic vinegar. The bread had good texture and was decent enough but didn't stand out in any way.
The seared scallops starter were nicely cooked and served with sea vegetables, fregola, and a bisque style sauce. The sauce was pleasant but lacked some depth and flavour. (14/20).
My main course was Fillet of Exmoor beef, breaded, short rib, bacon lardons and caramelised onion puree. The meat was cooked correctly, if slightly more than the medium rare requested, and was very tender, but fillet can have limited flavour compared with other cuts of beef and it really needed a richer sauce than that provided. (14/20).
The highlight of the meal was an excellent passion fruit parfait with coconut sorbet and diced exotic fruit. The texture and flavours combined very well. (15/20).
Service was efficient and friendly but with a Michelin star one expects water to be poured and glasses replenished.
That's a minor point and doesn't detract from the good quality food and cooking. The Mason's Arms is well worth a visit if you are in the area but the wow factor was missing and perhaps not worth the detour.
Written 19 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah D
Thank you for your extensive critique. It's worth pointing out that Michelin award stars all across the hospitality sector from simple places like ourselves to The Ritz (where you had excellent service) however we don't employ a sommelier or water waiter and our guests are very comfortable to pour their own wine and water, they are in a pub after all. MD
Written 20 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Zed
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
We book a year ahead [Sarah won't like us saying that because she does not go further than a few months!] and we also go whenever we can - we live 40 miles away! This is a wonderful place with a relaxed service style but with a supreme quality. Goodness where can you get a 3 course Lunch menu at a Michelin 1 star Pub/Restaurant for around £30? Especially from Mark who headed up Michel Roux's Waterside Restaurant Michelin 3 star for 10 years as head chef....what? Phenomenal place..gentle and lovely...enjoy..!
Written 28 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pembs101
432 contributions
May 2022 • solo
An unpretentious country pub which promises nothing but gives everything. From the moment I arrived I felt at home, sat in the lounge by the log burner I enjoyed my glass of English Blanc de Blancs with canapés. When my table was ready I was led into the dining room with fresco’d ceiling and three sided views over the hills with grazing animals. The bottle of Viognier matched the theme, excellent and unpretentious, even in service. Bread & butter were notable, starter of cured salmon, pink grapefruit, crab & bisque was divine. Main course contained a surprise with the Breast & Leg of Guinea Fowl with Fondant Potato & Morrels being garnished with sliced truffle, amazing. Six local cheeses with a glass of fine Medoc preceded my dessert of Citrus Posset, Beignet & Soufflé. Coffee was served with delightful petit fours. To crown off a memorable evening I had a lovely chat with Mark & Sarah before leaving. What a place!
Written 26 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda S
7 contributions
Nov 2024 • family
Dinner at The Masons Arms was absolutely amazing. I had the chorizo bites to start followed by fish and chips with mushy peas. The fish was battered in gem ale which brought out the flavour of the fish, it tasted delicious. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. We will definitely be returning customers.
Written 16 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steveh964993
Burlescombe197 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
We visited the Masons Arms for the fourth time to celebrate. My son and daughter in laws marriage in July. The customer service was excellent from the time we made the booking to the point we left for home.
We had a table in the bar as we had our Border Collie with us—it was great as usual. We couldn’t fault the food in anyway—we had a mixture of the set lunch menu and Al a carte.
We bought a copy of Mark’s book and this evening had a go at making the monkfish- I’m sure Mark would have cringed, but for us amateur cooks it was a fantastic meal and we felt proud of our first attempt—we will improve..
Highly recommended, nothing to fault at all.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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