West Somerset pubs make Exmoor top ten list (From Somerset County Gazette)

West Somerset pubs make Exmoor top ten list

4:30pm Sunday 24th June 2012 in West Somerset By Hannah Green

STAFF at two pubs in West Somerset are celebrating after being included in a top ten list on Exmoor.

The Bridge Inn at Dulverton and The Royal Oak at Withypool were named as two of the best pubs in north Devon and Exmoor in a recent list compiled in The Guardian.

Rachel McDonald, co-owner of The Bridge Inn said: “We are absolutely thrilled about it. I have been here for five years and it is a lot of hard work, but it’s nice that has been recognised.

“It was great to see pubs included that don’t normally get the recognition they deserve.

“It’s a real team effort – we couldn’t do it without our staff. They are very hard-working and loyal.”

The Royal Oak's success is due in no small part to general manager Jeannette Pullman and bar manager Jake Blackmore, both of whom have worked hard for almost 30 years to help the pub go from strength to strength.

Assistant manager of The Royal Oak, Vanessa Summersgill, said: “We are over the moon to have been recognised like this out of pubs across the whole of Exmoor.

“It epitomises your typical country pub – we cater for people who have been hunting, shooting and fishing among other countryside activities.

“There is a really relaxed atmosphere and lots of people book in for their birthdays. We have got a really good name for our food – people come from as far away as Barnstaple.”