If you were familiar with the striking blue hue of the Wildmoor Oak pre-spring 2024, it’s now unrecognisable.

We’ve seen the before shots and what dynamic duo Sarah Robinson and Bex Wilkins achieved in just eight weeks of renovation is staggering. The vibe is classic country pub inside with the prettiest of gardens outside. Business is booming, probably helped along by the garden and sunshine colliding.

We sat inside – it was too hot outside – and as we visited on a Sunday the menu’s a bit different to the usual lunch menu. Devon crabcakes from the specials menu kicked things off in great style – crisp outer and generous on the crab served with a squeeze of lemon and a punchy shellfish mayonnaise. A delicious mackerel pâté included some chunks of mackerel rather than a completely smooth affair which we loved. Served with a contrasting pickled cucumber and crunchy sourdough toast, it’s one to shout about.

A full-on roast beef with all the trimmings on one of the hottest days of the year might have been misguided, but to call this beauty a mistake would be wrong. The Aubrey Allen beef rump was pink and delicious accompanied by a big yorkie, crunchy roast potatoes, a generous slug of rich gravy, some greens and glazed carrots. We ordered a side of cauliflower cheese which we thoroughly recommend.
A more summery, perfectly pan-fried bream with new potatoes, green beans and a zingy chive butter sauce hit the spot too while a shared chocolate delice with honeycomb finished lunch on a sweet high.

In truth, the place is the kind of local you dream about. Customers are greeted like old friends and the place is buzzing with a mixed bag of people – families with babies, groups of mates, couples, the odd local propping up the bar. Everyone’s welcome and the impressive food and drink are the icing on the cake. Bravo!