The Kings Arms Inn Tedburn St Mary

Let’s talk about The Kings Arms Inn in Tedburn St Mary. This isn’t just a pub. It’s a time capsule with a beer tap.

History Hiding in Plain Sight

This place has been around since the 12th century. Yes, the 1100s. Imagine the conversations those old stone walls have heard.

It started life as a coaching inn. Tired horses, dusty travelers, and muddy boots were the norm. Now, it’s just your boots on the floor.

A few years back, they dug up a medieval well inside the building. They found it during a renovation. Now it’s a quirky centerpiece, lit up like a secret.

The Ghosts Are Very Polite

A friendly ghost reportedly lives here. She likes to rearrange the cutlery. No slamming doors, just very tidy silverware.

Staff say she once moved a full pint glass across the bar. Not a drop spilled. That’s classy paranormal activity.

Nobody is scared. They just blame her when the salt shaker goes missing. It’s a very British haunting.

Food That Makes You Grin

The menu is pure comfort. Think Devon cream teas and giant, sticky toffee puddings. Your waistline will hate you. Your taste buds will high-five you.

They serve a “Kings Burger” that requires two hands and zero shame. It comes with a mountain of hand-cut chips. No diet talk allowed at the table.

The King's Arms, Tedburn St Mary © Roger Cornfoot cc-by-sa/2.0

The real star? Their homemade steak and ale pie. The pastry is flaky gold. Locals argue over whose recipe is better—this one wins every time.

The Bar Has a Secret Weapon

They stock Otter Ale from a nearby brewery. It’s named after the River Otter. Drink it, and you’re basically supporting local wildlife.

Another find: Devon Scrumpy. It’s so strong and tart, your face will pucker. Then you’ll order a second pint. It’s a dangerous cycle.

Ask about the “Mystery Beer.” The bartender picks it blindfolded from a hidden shelf. Some are brilliant. Some taste like a barn. It’s a gamble you’ll enjoy losing.

Why Tedburn St Mary?

The village is tiny. Like, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it tiny. But it has this massive inn with huge personality.

It sits right on the old A30 road. Travelers used to need a place to rest. Now, you just need a place to laugh with friends.

THE KINGS ARMS INN RESTAURANT, Tedburn St. Mary - Menu, Prices

There’s a big, roaring fireplace in winter. In summer, the beer garden is a sun trap. The seasons change, but the vibe stays perfectly cozy.

Weirdly Specific Fun Facts

The Inn’s sign features a king with a really weird hat. Locals argue about which king it is. Nobody actually knows. It just adds to the mystery.

They have a dog menu. Not just water—an actual menu for your pup. Pooches can order sausages. Your four-legged friend will be the star of the pub.

One of the old beams has a carved “X” from a 14th-century traveler. You can touch it. That’s 700 years of history under your fingers.

The Final Word

The Kings Arms Inn isn’t fancy. It’s real. It’s messy, warm, and full of stories you can sip slowly.

Go for the food. Stay for the ghost. Laugh at the weird hat on the sign. This is what village pubs are supposed to feel like: a big, chaotic hug.

Just remember: don’t insult the well. The ghost might steal your spoon. And honestly, that’s a risk worth taking.