After a day of exploring in the winter sun on a chilly February evening, we found ourselves in Instow. If you’re craving a traditional Sunday roast with all the trimmings, the Instow Arms is the place to be. Just make sure to bring your appetite – you won’t want to leave a morsel behind!

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Instow Arms Reviews
The Instow Arms is known for its seafood and pub classics, which include hand-cut chips and roast dinners. The menu features a variety of dishes, from traditional British fare to international flavours. If you can sit outside or bag a window seat, you’ll have stunning views over to Appledore – and you may even catch a glorious sunset.


Instow Arms Menu
Firstly, there is excellent news: Sunday lunch is served in the evening! Hurrah! The main menu is also on offer if you don’t want a roast.
We both opted for the topside of beef, which was cooked to perfection – tender, juicy, and bursting with flavour. The roast potatoes were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, just as they should be. And the Yorkshire pudding? Absolutely massive and delightfully airy.
The seasonal vegetables were impressive: sautéed leeks and peas, creamy cauliflower cheese, spiced red cabbage, and a delightful carrot mash.
Feeling a bit indulgent, we shared a side of pigs in a blanket – succulent sausages wrapped in crispy bacon – and Mike couldn’t resist adding some crackling to his plate. We also requested extra gravy and mint sauce, even though we were having beef, because why not?



Instow Arms Prices
Mike opted for the regular-sized portion at £17, while I chose the small plate for £9. Don’t let the ‘small’ label fool you; it was a substantial serving, and I found it challenging to finish.
The portions are generous, beautifully presented, and incredibly tasty. The staff, though busy, was cheerful and attentive, ensuring our dining experience was top-notch. As someone who’s particular about roast dinners, I can confidently say this was a perfect meal – perhaps the best I’ve ever had!


Places to Eat Bideford
If you love food and drink and are looking for Instow pubs and restaurants, do you have a Tastecard? With a Tastecard, you get 25% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Places to Eat near Bideford
Looking for Instow restaurants with great food, drinks, and entertainment? Though small, Instow boasts an exciting culinary scene with many pubs in Instow North Devon. I’ve recently reviewed the following:
- Hoops Inn Horns Cross near Clovelly
- Waterfront Inn Westward Ho!
- The Instow Arms Devon
- The Best Places to Eat in Clovelly
Where is the Instow Arms?
📍 Hatton Croft, Marine Parade, Instow, Bideford EX39 4JJ
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Is the Instow Arms Dog Friendly?
Dogs are more than welcome at the Instow Arms.
Instow Arms Opening Times
The Instow Arms Instow is open Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 11pm and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Make a Booking
There’sThere’s no option to make a booking online. However, you can call 01271 860608.
Follow them on Social Media
Stay updated on the latest offers and promotions by following them on Facebook | Instagram | TripAdvisor
Accommodation Bideford
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible in advance. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array of hotels and holiday lets to accommodate all budgets, allowing you to discover places to stay in North Devon.
Stay at Bideford Bay Holiday Park
I stayed at 18 Bucklands, a luxury retreat at Parkdean Bideford Bay Holiday Park in North Devon. It’s family-friendly and dog-friendly, too. If, like me, you’re used to staying at holiday parks but also love the finer things in life, this is the perfect place to stay in Bideford.



Visit Devon and Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Is Bideford Good for a Holiday?
Bideford is considered a good choice for a holiday. It is a great base for exploring the surrounding villages and countryside; it offers a mix of quaint shops, riverside views, good pubs, and a friendly atmosphere making it suitable for families and couples.
Clovelly
Clovelly is utterly charming. It looks untouched by the modern world with winding cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages and captivating views. The entire village is a tourist attraction and a truly unique experience. Why you should visit Clovelly


Appledore
Appledore is renowned for its narrow winding streets, colourful houses, and rich maritime heritage. Visitors can enjoy simple seaside pleasures such as days at the beach, crabbing, boat trips, cream teas, and fish and chips.


Instow
Just across the estuary lies Instow, a quaint village boasting a sandy beach lined with dunes and a charming waterfront. Accessible via a seasonal ferry from Appledore, it offers the same pleasures. Seek out the Instow Signal Box, which is open most Sundays.


Westward Ho!
A short distance away, Westward Ho! is celebrated for its expansive sandy beach backed by a distinctive pebble ridge. The village’s name is derived from Charles Kingsley’s 1855 novel, and it remains a popular destination for surfing and seaside holidays.


Barnstable
Barnstable is the largest town in North Devon and a riverport. It is known for its Victorian, Medieval, and Georgian architecture. The historic Pannier Market is a highlight. Here, you can browse a wide range of local produce, crafts, and antiques. The Museum of Barnstable and North Devon is also a highlight.
Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe is a charming seaside resort and civil parish located on the North Devon coast of England. The town features a small harbour surrounded by cliffs. In recent years, Ilfracombe has become known for Damien Hirst’s statue of Verity, which has become a point of interest. If you love food, it’s a haven: Foodies Guide to Ilfracombe.


Take a Picnic
Devon Hampers send the best of the South West to your front door. The cream tea and afternoon tea hampers include scones, clotted cream and jam. There are also cheese hampers, chocolate, cider and BBQ hampers.
Devon Hampers Promo Code
Get 5% off hampers or create your own. Order anything from a clotted cream tea for two or a large hamper full of goodies. There is no minimum order amount. Use DEVON5 at the checkout.
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