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Masons Arms

Knowstone, United Kingdom

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1 Star

The Experience

From Michelin Guide

Husband and wife, Mark and Sarah Dodson, run this pretty thatched pub in a secluded little village, which boasts spectacular views over Exmoor’s rolling hills. The cooking is more sophisticated than you might expect to find in a pub, with a concise seasonal menu of attractively presented dishes firmly rooted in British and French classics –  such as an intensely flavoured raspberry soufflé. Mark has plenty of experience and employs the finest local produce to full effect, delivering pronounced, assured flavours. Service is charming, attentive and a perfect match for the food.

Unique Things

From Visitor Experiences

Michelin Star since 2005

  • The Masons Arms was awarded a Michelin star in 2005, within six months of opening, and has held it ever since.

Led by Mark Dodson, former head chef at the Waterside Inn

  • Mark Dodson spent twelve years as head chef at the Waterside Inn in Bray, where he secured their third Michelin star.

Two experiences in one: Michelin dining plus traditional pub bar

  • The restaurant offers a Michelin-starred dining experience alongside a traditional bar area with real ale and champagne by the glass, described as "two experiences in one."

Ingredient Stars

From Visitor Experiences

Signature Ingredients

  • Halibut (Devon halibut): A centerpiece of Mark Dodson's Michelin-starred menus, highlighted by the restaurant's own posts such as 'Halibut by Mark'. The fish is sourced from local Devon waters and is prepared in a classic-modern, unfussy style that lets the fish's clean, delicate flesh shine, reflecting The Masons Arms' commitment to exceptional local ingredients and precise cooking.
  • Smoked Mash Potato: A beloved signature preparation noted by the venue as a 'loved favourite' that has captured guests' hearts over the years. The potatoes are smoked to impart a distinctive, gentle smokiness, forming a signature base or accompaniment that showcases the house's inventive yet comforting use of local produce.
  • Seasonal Devon/Exmoor Produce: The restaurant emphasizes using exceptional local ingredients and follows the rhythm of the Devon seasons. Signature ingredients include vegetables, herbs, and other produce sourced from Exmoor and surrounding Devon countryside, ensuring peak freshness and terroir in each dish.
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