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Entertainment in and around Morchard Bishop Places to stay
The London Inn , (Morchard Bishop) is the village local. Dating back to the 16 th century, the London Inn was once a coaching inn when the Exeter-Barnstaple road ran through the village. It is now warm and welcoming single bar pub, renowned for its generous portions of home-cooked food. London Pride and Sharps Cornish ales are usually on tap. A centre for sporting excellence, the London Inn features darts, pool and skittles. It also has shared Internet facilities at no cost - so you can surf the Net with your favourite tipple at your side! The Devonshire Dumpling , ( Morchard Road ). The Sturt Arms was first opened in the 19 th century, shortly after the railway to Barnstaple came through the valley. Now named the Devonshire Dumpling, it commands the junction where the roads from Morchard Bishop and Down St Mary meet the A377. It is now widely known for its good food and friendly family atmosphere. There is a small children’s playground next to a conservatory and regular curry and quiz nights. Overnight accommodation is available. A small but vociferous coterie of locals gather at the bar most evenings. The Black Dog (Black Dog - 01884 860 336) is located about 3 miles from Morchard Bishop at a crossroads on the Witheridge road. Perhaps named after the ghostly black dog said to haunt the lanes and now destination of the Running of the Black Dog each October, this is small and cosy local with regular quiz nights, occasional live music and home-cooked food (A visitors view can be seen at: http://nli.northampton.ac.uk/ass/psych-staff/sjs/Black%20Dog.htm). Morchard Bishop Sports Club is located at the playing fields and open most evenings for a nominal membership fee, including Saturday afternoons after football matches. Bar prices are extremely competitive and facilities include pool, darts and a skittle alley. Wolfin Cream Teas ( Morchard Road ) is on the main A377 road between Morchard Bishop and Copplestone. The house dates from the mid-fifteenth century and is reputedly the site of an even earlier pagan sanctuary. In the summer, its owners now indulge in the gentler pursuit of serving excellent cream teas, weather-permitting in the small orchard garden. The owners also have a growing collection of classic commercial vehicles, including a splendid Foden circus caravan. Mobile Takeaway Food comes to the village once a week; usually fish and chips and usually outside the shop on a Wednesday, but I would check if I were you.
Copplestone Farm Shop (Copplestone on the main road), 01363 85075, A large and growing range of local produce including vegetables, sausages, home baking and dairy products. Down St Mary Vineyard is located off the narrow lane between Down St Mary and Zeal Monachorum and produces white wines and excellent champagne, all for sale to the general public. Linscombe Farm , tel: Phil or Helen at 01363 84291 is located off the road to Newbuildingsand can deliver boxes of organic vegetable to your home or for collection at Polson Hill garage. Details can be found at: www.soilassociation.org Crediton Framers Market ( Market Street ) is held on the 1 st Saturday every month from 10.00 to 13.00. Quality produce is available from local producers of fish, plants, meat, poultry, cheeses, vegetables and much more. With refreshments and craft stalls (tel Dodie Huxter , 01363 775928)
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