The Old Barn Inn

Head out towards Bickington and you'll find yourself at a proper pub that's managed to stay exactly what a pub should be — unpretentious and genuinely warm. The Old Barn Inn draws a genuine mix of regulars and visitors who come for the straightforward food and the kind of place where you can actually have a conversation without shouting over a playlist. It's got that rural edge that makes it feel removed from town centre bustle, even though you're only just outside Barnstaple proper. The 4.3 rating speaks to consistency rather than trying too hard — locals keep coming back because it works.