Tucked at Pound Lane End by the A377 and B3227 in Umberleigh EX37 9DU, The Rising Sun Inn is the kind of country pub travellers hope to find: friendly hosts, hearty plates, comfortable rooms and a relaxed village atmosphere. Guests consistently mention a warm welcome on arrival, quick service at the bar, and a “home-from-home” feel that makes short breaks and spontaneous dinners equally rewarding. It’s a brilliant base for exploring North Devon, with peaceful riverside scenery close by and easy access to fishing spots, walking routes and coast-and-countryside day trips. Whether dropping in for a classic fish and chips, booking a steak night, or staying over for a quietly luxurious full English breakfast the next morning, visitors get dependable quality, local character and proper value.
Services
• Country pub and inn with comfortable guest rooms
• All-day dining windows covering lunch and dinner (plus a hearty breakfast for overnight guests)
• Seasonal British pub menu built around local produce and fresh, locally caught fish
• Proper pints and a well-kept selection of beers and ciders, plus wines and soft drinks
• Friendly, knowledgeable team (frequent praise for personal attention and local tips)
• Wheelchair-friendly attitude and assistance when needed, aiming to make visits easy and comfortable
• Easy road access near A377/B3227; handy base for fishing, walking and exploring North Devon
Menu
Starters: Soup of the day with crusty bread; Whitebait with tartare; Prawn cocktail; Garlic mushrooms on toast.
Mains: Fresh, locally caught fish and chips (golden batter, chunky chips, tartare, peas); 8–10oz British steaks cooked to order with chips, mushrooms and peppercorn sauce; Steak and ale pie with buttery mash; Butcher’s sausages with onion gravy; Seasonal vegetarian special (e.g., vegetable pie or roasted veg linguine).
Pub Classics: Beef burger with cheddar and relish; Ploughman’s with West Country cheeses; Ham, egg and chips.
Desserts: Sticky toffee pudding with custard; Apple crumble; Chocolate brownie with ice cream.
Breakfast (for residents): Full English with quality sausages and bacon, eggs to preference, grilled tomato, mushrooms and toast; lighter continental choices and fresh tea or coffee.
Pros
• Warm, genuine hospitality from check-in to last orders
• Standout fish and chips and reliably tender steaks
• Comfortable rooms for a peaceful rural stay
• Great position for river-focused breaks, walks and touring North Devon
• Relaxed, well-run atmosphere that feels welcoming any night of the week
Reviews
- Wonderful Welcome: Guests praise “lovely people” behind the bar and in the dining room, with staff going out of their way to make visits easy and enjoyable.
- Accessibility Care: A recent party noted how thoughtfully the team supported a wheelchair user, making the whole experience comfortable and stress-free.
- Steak Success: Diners highlight steaks as “some of the best in a while,” perfectly cooked and generously portioned.
- Classic Breakfast: Overnight guests rave about a “great English breakfast,” ideal after a good night’s sleep and before a day exploring.
- Fresh From Nearby Waters: Fish and chips come in for repeated applause—locally sourced, super-fresh and fried to a crisp, golden finish.
If the plan is an easy lunch, an unrushed dinner, or a cosy country stay, The Rising Sun Inn delivers the essentials brilliantly: attentive service, satisfying plates and a location that invites you to slow down, eat well and enjoy North Devon’s quiet beauty. For anyone searching “best pub food Umberleigh” or “friendly country inn North Devon,” this spot belongs at the top of the list.