Ottery pub picked for Telegraph’s Best Pubs Guide 2026
The Volunteer Inn in Ottery St Mary is featured in the Telegraph’s Best Pub Guide for 2026, one of just thirteen Devon pubs to be included.
The national guide, which this year has expanded its reach to include pubs in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, provides details of 650 pubs that have been tried and tested by a panel of six experts.
Criteria for inclusion include charming character, welcoming staff, a rich history and award-winning beer.
The Volunteer Inn was taken on by Mike and Jacqui Down in 2012, since when they have renovated and refurbished to create a welcoming town centre hostelry, introducing a contemporary dining area, outdoor deck and, the piece de resistance, luxury toilets. The panel was impressed by the scale of improvements the pair have made.
The food offering has developed over the years to become highly regarded, with weekly and seasonal specials alongside a comprehensive regular menu. The pub is committed to showcasing local ales and ciders, as well as supporting community events including Ottery Tar Barrels through fundraising.
Mike Down said: “We are over the moon to be included in this guide. It shows how far we have come in 14 years, from the little run down pub we took on in 2012, to the wonderful local we have now.
“This recognition has only been made possible by the support of our wonderful community here in Ottery St Mary, as well as our suppliers from across the South West and our wonderful team.”
The other Devon pubs included are The Devonshire Okehampton, The Bridge Inn Topsham, The Globe Inn Winkleigh, The Clovelly Inn Okehampton, The Dolphin Plymouth, The Champ Appledore, The Albert Inn Totnes, The Durant Arms Ashprington, The Rugglestone Inn Newton Abbot, The Drewe Arms Exeter, The Fountain Head Inn and Masons Arms Branscombe.
