The Hatch Inn

It is rare to find such a delightful family-owned pub so close to the motorway. You walk in to an immediate sense of welcome. On a cold day the open fire will warm your cockles; on a warm one you can sit outside and admire the scenery of the Blackdown Hills.

An old 18th-century coaching inn, The Hatch has had love and commitment poured into it, the rustic charm nurtured and improved. The welcome is real, the food traditional and delicious, the atmosphere cosy and friendly. If you are in luck there will be something special happening, for the pub is at the centre of things locally.

You may even want to plan your journey to spend the evening and night here. The rooms are perfect and for dinner you might have, for example, rack of lamb, homemade ‘proper’ pie or fresh fish, which is delivered daily. Breakfast, with local meats and breads, is equally generous, and the Sunday roasts have the best cuts of meat and roast potatoes for miles around. The Hatch is a destination in itself.