The Pub
The Drake Manor Inn at Buckland Monachorum was originally built to house the skilled workers constructing St. Andrews church in the 12th century. Thereafter it was, among other purposes, used as a Maltings - where Barley or other grain was steeped and prepared for brewing and distilling. However it has always been a hostelry, welcoming travellers and visitors ever since. The brook that bubbles beside the Inn was, for centuries, the main water source and villagers would haul buckets home to fill the ten gallon coppers that boiled the water for the weekly tin baths and unimaginable labour of Monday washday. The granite steps are still there but now a garden lies beside the brook, along a narrow path leading behind the Inn; a tranquil and pretty space with bowers of roses and brightly planted borders.
Over the centuries the Inn established itself at the heart of the village and that is no less true today. St Andrews school is thriving and the Church strongly supported, but you'll meet, should you wish, villagers in the public bar that remember the days of several stores, of a village baker and butcher, of the annual flower show and the summer tea party when the village children would march behind the band. Somehow, despite the changes, that atmosphere remains; the people that call Buckland Monachorum 'home' and use the Inn as a social meeting point may, today, be professionals from Derriford hospital, IT specialists, a famous musician or renowned painter, or could be the man that knows the secret to ensuring the survival of an orphaned lamb or how to grow the best runner beans, but you'll find them pretty indistinguishable, standing side by side in the public bar. The cosy rooms beneath ancient beams still ring with laughter and debate, hands are rubbed before woodburning stoves and tales recounted.
The Drake Manor, under the stewardship of proprietor Mandy and her competent, smiling team, is rightly renowned for it's friendly atmosphere and good food - during the summer and most weekends, booking for the restaurant is strongly advised! The menu - prepared to order from locally sourced, seasonal produce is complemented by the Specials board - updated regularly and thoughtfully developed by Mandy and Steve to reflect the very best of local availability. Imaginative starters, fresh bread, delicious desserts - it's all available in either the Restaurant, bar or garden, as you wish. The wine list is frequently reviewed, the real Ales tried and tested for flavour and quality, the bar stocked with beverages to suit every palate and inclination.
The Inn is open seven days a week and food served daily, lunchtimes and evenings. For opening times, menu, wine and whisky lists along with more photographs, see the Drake Manor Inn website.
Labels: DrakeManorInn
