Half Moon Inn Clyst St Mary

Alright, gather 'round, gather 'round! I've got a tale to spin about this little gem nestled in the heart of Devon, England. It's called the Half Moon Inn, and it's not your average pub. Oh no, this place has more stories than a book club meeting, and it's all thanks to its quirky owner, Alan, a man who's as eccentric as they come.

Now, picture this: you're driving through the winding lanes of Clyst St Mary, trying to avoid the potholes that seem to appear out of nowhere. Suddenly, you spot a sign that reads 'Half Moon Inn - Food, Drink, and a Bit of Madness'. You think to yourself, "Well, that sounds like my kind of place!" and before you know it, you're parking your car in the gravel driveway, ready to dive into this mystery.

Entering the Half Moon Inn

As you push open the heavy wooden door, you're greeted by a cacophony of sounds - laughter, clinking glasses, and what sounds suspiciously like a parrot squawking. You're not wrong, by the way. Welcome to the Half Moon Inn, where the walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of artwork, and the ceiling is a constellation of fairy lights. It's like stepping into a real-life storybook illustration.

Alan, with his wild hair and even wilder stories, is behind the bar, pulling pints with the finesse of a seasoned pro. He's got a glint in his eye, and you can tell he's just itching to share some of his tales. But first, let's talk about the food. Oh, the food!

Feasting like a King

Now, I'm not one to exaggerate, but the food at the Half Moon Inn is so good, it could make a grown man weep. We're talking hearty, home-cooked meals that'll stick to your ribs and warm your soul. The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always count on finding something delicious.

One time, I swear, Alan served up a roast dinner that was so enormous, it could have fed a small army. And the best part? He insisted on carving the meat himself, claiming he had a 'special technique' that made the turkey taste even better. I'm not one to argue with a man wielding a carving knife, so I just nodded along and helped myself to seconds. And thirds. And maybe even fourths. Don't judge me, it was that good!

But the Half Moon Inn isn't just about the food and the drinks (although, let's be honest, those are pretty great). No, this place is all about the atmosphere. It's like stepping into a living, breathing history book, filled with tales of old and new.

History and Mystery

You see, the Half Moon Inn has been around since the 16th century. Yes, you read that right. It's older than my grandma's favorite rocking chair. And with age comes... well, let's just say some strange happenings. Alan swears blind that the inn is haunted, and who am I to argue? I've certainly felt a few chills running down my spine when I've been there at night.

HALF MOON INN, Clyst St Mary - 2026 Reviews & Information

But it's not all ghost stories and spooky goings-on. The Half Moon Inn has also played host to some pretty famous faces over the years. We're talking the likes of Charles Dickens, who was said to have written a few lines of 'A Tale of Two Cities' while sitting by the fireplace. And let's not forget the time Winston Churchill popped in for a pint (or five) during the war. Alan swears he still has the empty glasses stashed away somewhere, but he's been known to tell a tall tale or two, so who knows?

And then there's the time the inn was used as a makeshift hospital during the Black Death. Yep, you read that right. Alan's got the old plague pit out the back, and he's not afraid to show it off. He's even got a little sign up that reads 'Beware of the Buboes'. I mean, it's not your average tourist attraction, but it certainly adds to the charm, don't you think?

The Half Moon Inn Today

So, what's it like to spend a night at the Half Moon Inn these days? Well, let me tell you, it's an experience. The rooms are cozy, with low ceilings and creaky floorboards that'll have you jumping at every shadow. But don't worry, Alan's got a first aid kit on hand, just in case you sprain something from all the ghostly goings-on.

And the best part? You can wake up to the smell of a hearty breakfast cooking downstairs. I'm talking full English, with all the trimmings. It's the perfect way to start the day, especially if you've spent the night listening to the inn's resident ghost (who, by the way, Alan swears is a bit of a chatterbox).

But don't just take my word for it. The Half Moon Inn has been voted one of the best pubs in Devon, and it's not hard to see why. It's got character, it's got charm, and it's got more stories than you can shake a stick at. So, if you're ever in the area, do yourself a favor and pop in. Just don't be surprised if you find yourself staying for a few pints (and maybe even a few nights).

And who knows? You might just catch a glimpse of old Winston, propping up the bar and regaling the locals with tales of his wartime exploits. But don't tell Alan I said that. He's still not happy about the time I 'borrowed' one of his Churchill glasses for a selfie. Oops!