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The Blacksmiths Arms

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A welcoming pub nestled in Bideford, ideal for Tarka Trail explorers, offering classic pub fare and a great selection of ales.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Nelsons Room

The Blacksmiths Arms

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A welcoming pub nestled in Bideford, ideal for Tarka Trail explorers, offering classic pub fare and a great selection of ales.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Fantastic food friendly staff great place, highly recommended!"

TIP

Quieter Seating Options

Opt for indoor seating or avoid peak times if you prefer a quieter environment away from lively locals.

Quiz Night Fun

Join the pub on quiz nights for an evening filled with laughter and friendly competition.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 11PM

Cuisine

Pub

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+44 7761 415953

Address

23 Torrington St, Bideford, EX39 4DP, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Carvery Experience

The Carvery Experience

Enjoy a hearty carvery with multiple meat choices and a wide selection of potatoes and vegetables, praised for its quality and affordability.

Google Review
Craft Ales and Cozy Atmosphere

Craft Ales and Cozy Atmosphere

A welcoming pub with a great selection of ales at reasonable prices, perfect for a relaxed drink or meal.

Google Review+1
Tarka Trail Proximity

Tarka Trail Proximity

An ideal pit stop for cyclists and walkers on the scenic Tarka Trail, offering a chance to recharge after outdoor adventures.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

the best lunch ever at the Blackmiths arms. #devon #foodtok #foodvlog #richratesfood #trendingvideo #fyp #foodvlogger #youtuber #followme #publunch #ukfood #foodreview #blacksmithsarms #cuisine #tavistock
@richratesfood
12 likes • 1.5K views

Quieter Seating Options

Opt for indoor seating or avoid peak times if you prefer a quieter environment away from lively locals.

Quiz Night Fun

Join the pub on quiz nights for an evening filled with laughter and friendly competition.

Roast beef doesn’t get much better than this! ROAST BEEF at The Blacksmiths Arms, just outside Tavistock in Devon — proper Sunday vibes. Locally sourced from Philip Warren, and you can TASTE the quality. Crispy roasties, rich gravy, and that beef? Melt-in-your-mouth. What’s YOUR favourite roast? Let’s settle this in the comments… #RoastBeef #SundayRoast #DevonEats #PhilipWarrenMeat #UKFoodie #Food...
@curlygaz1
65 likes • 7.3K views
Wow what an incredible gig Sunday @ The Blacksmiths Arms 🎊 here is a short clip of the 90s section you guys definitely brought the party 🪩🤩 #solosinger #giglife #90s #party #dance #live #fyp #foryoupage #2025 #lovemyjob #gig #livemusic #singing
@aprildavies2010
38 likes • 2.1K views

Lively Weekend Vibes

For more energetic weekend experiences, check out Crabby Dicks sports bar, owned by the same people.

paranormal at the Blacksmith arms @Notts paranormal society #paranormal #spooky #ghost #haunted
@exploreandparanormaluk
25 likes • 449 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Quieter Seating Options

Opt for indoor seating or avoid peak times if you prefer a quieter environment away from lively locals.

Quiz Night Fun

Join the pub on quiz nights for an evening filled with laughter and friendly competition.

Lively Weekend Vibes

For more energetic weekend experiences, check out Crabby Dicks sports bar, owned by the same people.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Blacksmiths Arms is lauded for its excellent food, particularly the carvery and various pub classics, and its warm, welcoming atmosphere. Many patrons highlight the friendly and efficient staff, affordable prices, and the pub's prime location near the Tarka Trail. However, some reviews mention issues with cleanliness and occasional service disruptions due to staff shortages.

"Worth the walk over the bridge. Liked the look of the short menus (normally means not all frozen ping food) food was very tasty, beer was good what more can you ask for. Slightly warm lounge the upstairs terrace sends a cool chill down the stairs when the door is open"

Keith Batcheler

"My first visit with family and we had the carvery which was really good with 3 choices of meat including lamb which you don't get very often so a fabulous bonus all the vegetables ect were very good and the Yorkshire puds also very reasonable priced with 2 different sized meals depending on your appetite and my great nephew not a fan so he was able to have sausages and home made chips so he was a very happy bunny service very good and lovely atmosphere so I'm sure we will visit again and definitely would recommend to others 😊 lots of tables outside to enjoy a drink if your lucky in the sunshine 🌞"

Anne Harper

"Been to this pub for years the new owners have taken over. It has been fantastic from pints pulled to food. An unbelievable upgrade thank you so much too the new owners. Amazing food and great company thank you once again for making this the pub to come too in bideford. Great vibes great people great prices."

The Human Harvest

What People Like

Hearty carvery with great variety
Friendly and welcoming staff
Affordable prices and good ales

What People Dislike

Occasional cleanliness issues
Service disruptions due to staff shortages

Frequently Asked Questions

The pub offers a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, with lively vibes during quiz nights and sports events. Quieter indoor seating is available, away from the main bar area.

TikTokGoogle Review+1

Yes, the pub is dog-friendly and offers a good atmosphere for families, with options like sausages and homemade chips for picky eaters.

Google Review+1

It is recommended to book in advance, especially for Sunday lunch, as tables can fill up. Contact the pub directly for booking.

Google Review

The Blacksmiths Arms offers traditional pub fare, including an excellent carvery with a variety of meats and vegetables, as well as dishes like lamb tagine.

Google Review+1

While not explicitly stated, the pub is easily accessible and located in Bideford. Check with the pub for specific parking arrangements.

Yes, there is a spacious decked terrace outside where guests can enjoy drinks and meals, perfect for sunny days.

Google Review

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