The Best Pubs in Beer, Devon: Our Local Favourites

Introduction

One of the things we love most about Beer is how good the pubs are for such a small village. They’re welcoming, unfussy, and perfectly suited to a post-walk pint, a relaxed afternoon drink, or a cosy evening by the fire.

This guide shares the pubs we genuinely enjoy spending time in when we’re in Beer, plus one nearby favourite that’s well worth the short walk or drive. It’s not about ranking them — it’s about helping you choose the right pub for the moment you’re in.

The Dolphin Hotel

The Dolphin Inn, Beer is a proper village pub with a strong local feel. It’s the kind of place where muddy walking boots and dogs under tables feel completely normal.

We often head here after a longer walk, especially on cooler days. It feels rooted in everyday life in Beer rather than built just for visitors, which is exactly why we like it. Following its renovation and new ownership in 2025, it’s also become a great option for good food and a strong range of cocktails and drinks.

It’s a particularly good stop if you’re winding down after a big effort like The Beer Blazer Run, when you want somewhere relaxed, comfortable and easy-going to refuel.

The Anchor Inn

The Anchor Inn, Beer sits right at the top of Beer Beach and has one of the best pub locations in the village. Its garden overlooks the beach and sea, making it a brilliant spot on warmer days when you want to settle in and watch the coastline come to life.

Inside and out, The Anchor offers a strong seasonal calendar of events, including live music and family-friendly activities. Music often takes place both indoors and in the garden during busier months, making it ideal for afternoons that naturally roll into evenings.

After endurance events like The Grizzly Run, The Anchor is a favourite place to sit down, take in the view and properly soak up the achievement.

The Barrel of Beer

The Barrel of Beer is very much a drinkers’ pub and a big part of Beer’s social scene. It has a lively, no-frills atmosphere and feels like somewhere locals and visitors drop into for a few pints rather than a sit-down meal.

Inside you’ll find a pool table and dartboard, and it’s one of the main places in the village for watching live sport during key events. It’s also famous for its slogan — “I’ve had a beer at the Barrel of Beer in Beer” — with T-shirts available as a fun souvenir of your visit.

It’s often the pub people end up in after finishing something demanding like the Beer Blazer — less polished, more celebratory, and very much part of the village’s running and walking culture.

The Mason’s Arms, Branscombe

Just along the coast in nearby Branscombe, The Mason’s Arms is only around a 10-minute drive from Beer, or a rewarding 30-minute coastal walk if you’re happy to stretch your legs. It’s an excellent option if you want to pair a walk with a memorable pub visit.

Inside, it’s cosy and slightly more upmarket, with open fires, low beams, and a genuinely old, traditional pub feel. The food here is exceptional and very much part of the experience — this is the kind of place you plan an evening around rather than just popping in for one drink.

We often suggest it to people staying longer or following itineraries like 7 Days in Beer, Devon: A Slow Coastal Itinerary, especially if they want a standout pub meal to anchor the week.

Choosing the Right Pub for the Day

Which pub feels “best” in Beer often depends on what you’ve been doing. After a beach morning, somewhere with sea views can feel spot on. After a coastal walk or run, a traditional pub with a relaxed atmosphere can be especially rewarding.

If you’re following itineraries such as 3 Days in Beer, Devon: A Relaxed Long Weekend, you’ll find pub stops naturally slot into your days without needing to over-plan.

Pubs in Different Seasons

Beer’s pubs change character with the seasons. In winter, they’re cosy, slower paced, and perfect for warming up after a cold walk or run. In summer, they become lively social hubs as people drift in from the beach.

If you’re visiting during the quieter months, our January & February seasonal guide gives a good sense of how the village — and its pubs — feel at that time of year.

Visiting Pubs in Beer with Children

We’ve spent plenty of time in Beer pubs with our daughter, and it’s one of the things that makes the village feel so family-friendly. Earlier in the day, many pubs are relaxed about children and work well for casual lunches.

If you’re visiting as a family, our guide to Families Visiting Beer pairs well with this post when planning easy, low-pressure days.

Our Advice: Don’t Overthink It

Some of our favourite pub visits in Beer have been completely unplanned — stopping in because the weather turned, a walk ran longer than expected, or a run deserved celebrating properly.

That flexibility suits Beer perfectly. The pubs here are part of what makes the village feel welcoming, lived-in, and easy to enjoy.

You can see availability for Sea Holly House and other places to stay here.