A small four-room pub-hotel at Watermouth near Ilfracombe, known for hearty roasts and a dog-friendly, welcoming feel.
What's nearby
- Watermouth Valley Camping Park 350m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the hotel before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Sawmills
A converted mill-style building with just four rooms, The Sawmills has the feel of a proper Devon pub rather than a large hotel, sitting at Watermouth on the edge of Ilfracombe. Its compact size means a personal, informal atmosphere rather than corporate polish, with a bar and restaurant at the heart of the place and a garden for warmer days.
Rooms are simple and few in number, with drinks available to order to your room and free WiFi throughout. Breakfast is served on site, and the restaurant is the real focus, with a varied menu and roast dinners that regulars come back for; staff are consistently friendly and attentive, and dogs are welcomed rather than tolerated. Some guests have found the food pricier than expected, though the quality and presentation generally justify the menu.
The Sawmills also hosts weddings and offers 24 hour reception, with free on-site parking for drivers. Its Watermouth setting puts walking and cycling routes, fishing, watersports and further pubs and restaurants all within easy reach, making it a practical base for exploring the North Devon coast around Ilfracombe.
What guests say
we made a booking for dinner around 7pm. this was a lovely setting and a welcoming environment. We then had our drinks and a copy of the menu. I was quite disappointed in the on what was on offer..its the same old generic offerings that you would get at any corporate establishment up and down the country..its like most menus are a cut and paste exercise..why do pubs and restaurants think it's acceptable to offer pate,bread and olives, burgers, fish and chips, cheesy chips and think that what the customers want..this is food of the lowest commodity. they will be working around 25% food cost, also I feel that the skill factor within the kitchens mimic the menus, line chefs from macdonald's and burger king..I feel that the public are being taken for fools by pub co's and greedy restaurants owners...they will blame brexit, NI contributions and food cost..
a month ago · via Google
Brilliant Sunday Lunch. We visited in March and were very pleased we did. Excellent service, great atmosphere, wonderful food. All fresh, tender meat, tasty veg and super coffee, too. Also a very good list of alcohol free beers, too! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Family-friendly. Dog-friendly. Free WiFi. Plenty of outside seating. Decent size carpark. Clean and well presented! Good job.
4 months ago · via Google
Fabulous pub in a nice location. Good range of drinks and the food choices were good and very tasty. The room was nice to stay in apart from the dirty floor throughout which had made itself on to the bed via the pillows and cushion ( most likely being placed on the floor whist making the bed ). The rest of the room was really spacious and tidy and well stocked with drink supplies, tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Nice quiet location so you can get a good night's sleep followed by a fabulous breakfast. Ryan and his staff were friendly and well drilled in looking after people's needs, we will definitely return when back in the area. One thing of note, check that there is actually shampoo/soap in the dispenser within the shower before you get in and it's too late.
2 months ago · via Google
I never wrote reviews but felt compelled to write this. What a gem of a place, the food is excellent, good quality, comes out piping hot, with a good selection of specials if you don’t fancy anything from the main menu. The staff are extremely friendly, attentive and welcoming. Coming from London this place is a breath of fresh air. Great food, good people, reasonable prices. I’d give it a ten out of ten if I could. Thanks for having us.
4 months ago · via Google
Diners like this pub's delicious and hearty food, especially the roast dinners and diverse menu options, with many appreciating the quality and presentation. They also highlight the friendly and attentive staff, the welcoming atmosphere, and the dog-friendly environment.
Some reviews mention the food can be overpriced.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Watermouth Valley, A399, Ilfracombe, EX34 9SJ Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Watermouth, Ilfracombe
- Good for children
- Yes
- Good for groups
- Yes
- Booking required
- Yes
- Destination
- Ilfracombe