ABOUT

Welcome to The Bear & Blacksmith! We are Lou and James, a couple in life and now partners in business, thrilled to share our passion for great food, drink, and hospitality with the wonderful community of Chillington and the wider South Hams. Whether you're a local or a visitor exploring this beautiful part of Devon, we can't wait to welcome you.

Together, we've combined our individual strengths to create a warm and inviting pub that celebrates the best of what Devon has to offer. James began his career at the age of 15, starting out in Michelin restaurants around Kent, cooking his way through some of the area's finest venues. Lou's background in managing beautiful destination pubs and restaurants has given her a flair for creating an atmosphere that is both friendly and full of energy. Our menus reflect a combination of our backgrounds and what we both love—delicious, creative pub food, cooked to a high standard, and made with love. We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy what we serve, whether it's a simple classic or something with a twist. And don't miss James's famous Sunday roast, a highlight you absolutely won't want to miss!

OUR MISSION

The Bear & Blacksmith is our dream come to life. After years of working for others, we moved to Devon in March 2023 and were lucky enough to find our perfect pub so soon after. It's a work in progress, and we're pouring our hearts and souls into making it the best it can be. From the first sip of your pint to the last bite of your meal, we want every experience here to be memorable. We envision this as a place to make friends, share stories, and create lasting memories.

Our kitchen sources the finest ingredients, as much as possible from local farmers and artisans, and we proudly serve beers, ciders, and spirits from nearby breweries and distilleries. The stunning Devon countryside and its abundance of fantastic produce inspire us daily. We're committed to celebrating everything local, from what's on your plate to what's in your glass. We also owe a huge thanks to the talented local tradespeople and new friends we have made, who have helped us transform the pub into the warm, welcoming space we always dreamed of.

Whether you're popping in for a cosy drink by the fire, a delicious meal, or a lively gathering with friends and family, we've got you covered. We're also planning plenty of fun events—summer parties, live music, quiz nights, and special evenings featuring food and drinks that celebrate local flavours. We can't wait to bring these to life and hear what events you'd love to see here too!

We feel incredibly lucky to have found our dream pub here in Devon. We're excited to settle into this beautiful community and look forward to sharing The Bear & Blacksmith with you too. See you soon! 

Lou & James