Life Behind the Bar: Running The Palk Arms on the Devon Moor

There’s something a little magical about life on the moor. The skies stretch out endlessly, the weather changes on a whim, and every stone wall has a story. Right in the heart of it all sits The Palk Arms, our humble but hearty village pub tucked into the rolling folds of the South Devon moorland.

Some days, it feels like we’re the last outpost before the wild takes over.

A Pub with History

The Palk Arms isn’t just a pub—it’s a living piece of local heritage. The building itself dates back over 300 years, its thick stone walls and uneven beams holding decades of laughter, stories, and the clinking of pint glasses. It’s been everything from a coaching inn to a wartime meeting spot, and now it’s ours to care for.

We like to think we’re more than just landlords—we’re stewards of a community gathering place, a warm fire on a cold moorland night, and a good story when you need one.

The Rhythms of Rural Life

Running a moorland pub isn’t quite like running a city bar. In the winter, the weather can close roads and keep the fire lit from dawn to midnight. Summers bring walkers, cyclists, campers, and the odd adventurous motorist who took a “short cut” through the moor and wound up needing a pint and a pasty.

Locals pop in for a swift half after mucking out stables or a long day on the farm. Our regulars aren’t just customers—they’re family. They’ll bring eggs, game, or homemade chutneys in exchange for a meal or just for the love of sharing.

The Heart of the Community

Village pubs like The Palk Arms are more than a business. We’re the venue for birthdays, wakes, quiz nights, and impromptu folk sessions. We’ve had morris dancers on the patio, farmers arguing over sheep prices, and poets sipping cider under the old oak tree.

We host live music when we can, roast dinners every Sunday (always with proper gravy), and we’ve even got a bookshelf of well-thumbed novels for those who want to curl up with a pint and escape the rain.

Challenges and Joys

Let’s not sugarcoat it—rural hospitality can be tough. Deliveries can be delayed by fog or tractors, and running costs don’t get any kinder just because you’re surrounded by sheep instead of skyscrapers.

But the payoff? It’s the sound of laughter echoing off ancient walls, the look on a walker’s face when they find a warm seat and a homemade pie, and the quiet satisfaction of being part of something older and deeper than just business.

Moor Than a Pub

If you ever find yourself on the moor, a little off the beaten path, come find us. The fire’s on, the cider’s local, and someone’s bound to tell you a story.

From the heart of Devon—cheers from all of us at The Palk Arms.