$Interior - The Sawmills, Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe$

The Sawmills

4.7 (806)

£25 and under

Pub

The Old Sawmills Inn, Watermouth Valley, Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe EX34 9SJ

Make a booking

The Sawmills

4.7

£25 and under

Pub

Ilfracombe

Make a booking

2 people

25 Oct 2026

20:30

Booked 15 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Dog-friendly
Neighbourhood gem

Discover The Sawmills Freehouse: where tradition meets innovation! Our latest menu offers a delightful blend of classic pub favourites and tantalising international dishes. Experience the rich flavors of locally sourced Devon & West Country Ingredients that infuse our culinary creations.

Indulge in our extensive selection of ales, beers, lagers, wines, spirits, and cocktails, providing something for every palate. Whether you prefer a pint of traditional ale or a cool glass of wine, our bar has you covered.

Enjoy the cozy ambience of our indoor seating or venture outside to our charming decking area, embracing nature's beauty. Although outdoor bookings aren't available due to weather uncertainties, drop by anytime for a memorable experience.

Our inviting atmosphere welcomes families and well-behaved furry friends.

We look forward to hosting you soon at The Sawmills Freehouse, where exceptional food, refreshing drinks, and a warm atmosphere await.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
£25 and under
Cuisines
Pub, Gastro Pub, Beer Garden
Hours of Operation
Mon–Sat 8:30 am–10:00 pm Sun 8:30 am–8:00 pm
Phone number
01271 883388
Website
http://www.sawmillsfreehouse.co.uk/
Payment Options
Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Jacques Roux

Location
The Old Sawmills Inn, Watermouth Valley, Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe EX34 9SJ
Area
Ilfracombe
Parking Details
Carpark
Public transport
Connected on Filers bus routes.
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at The Sawmills.

4.7

(806)

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Devon
Kid-friendly
North Devon
Best Overall
North Devon
Best Food
North Devon
Best Service
North Devon
Best Ambience
North Devon
Best Value
North Devon
Good for groups
North Devon
Neighbourhood gem
North Devon
Good for special occasions
North Devon
Vegetarian-friendly
North Devon
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Sawmills provides a "lovely experience" with "outstanding food," featuring specials like "half a lobster" and "the best fish pie ever." Guests appreciate the "picturesque setting," friendly staff, and generous portions. It offers "great value for money" with a diverse menu, including gluten-free options, and is very dog-friendly.

806 Reviews

K
Kirsty
Surrey2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great menu with the added benefit of some lovely specials. Huge portions 2 courses beat us all! Lovely warm welcome and great service from the staff. So good we booked again for tonight!
Is this helpful?
T
Theresa
Devon1 review
5.0
Dined on 7 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another lovely experience at the Sawmills, food was very very good despite intermittent power failure in the area. All staff their usual helpful friendly selves. Could not do more to please . Thanks
Is this helpful?
A
Andrew
London3 reviews
3.0
Dined on 3 October 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Initially were forgotten about and had to find a server. Wine list really poor which was disappointing but the food was good standard and once staff remembered where they’d sat us service was good.
Is this helpful?
M
Mandi
Devon1 review
5.0
Dined on 19 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This was our second visit in one weekend as the food was outstanding,had to go back to tey another of the specials, this time I had the fish pie and it was delicious! I can't tell you how good this place is you must try it,its great value for money
Is this helpful?
M
Mandi
Devon2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
What a find its a lovely place and the food was outstanding, had the special which was half a lobster, and it was delicious, in fact we are coming back tonight for a different special
Is this helpful?
J
Jules
Gloucestershire/Wiltshire1 review
5.0
Dined on 13 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
It took a little longer than expected to be noticed while we were waiting to be seated but other than that, the roast was amazing. The best roast dinner I have had in a very long while. The waiter service was good and the young chap who served us was very polite. Will definitely return.
Is this helpful?
C
Christine
Mid Wales1 review
5.0
Dined on 11 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Staff very good loved the starter prawn cocktail.
Is this helpful?
S
Shelly
London4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 8 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We return to The Sawwmills every year as we holiday locally, we love the picturesque setting and the decking area perfect for an evening drink and food, In colder weather the inside restaurant provides a lovely atmosphere for dinner. We have a dog an so it’s great that he is welcome. The food is reliably good, tasty and very well presented, also a great wine list to choose from. But for us the best thing is the wonderful staff. They are all so friendly and welcoming, it really makes the difference. We will return again !
Is this helpful?
C
Chloe
Devon2 reviews
4.0
Dined on 30 August 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food good portion sizes. Staff were so helpful and accommodating. Only thing was we wanted a roast and when we called they said they hadn’t don’t them since Father’s Day. But then they were on the specials and sold out. But the food was lovely and we had a great time
Is this helpful?
A
Amy
Devon1 review
3.0
Dined on 30 August 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Drinks came halfway through the meal, took nearly 25 mins to arrive. Food overpriced for what it is, £24 for a roast dinner!
Is this helpful?

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
£25 and under
Cuisines
Pub, Gastro Pub, Beer Garden
Hours of Operation
Mon–Sat 8:30 am–10:00 pm Sun 8:30 am–8:00 pm
Phone number
01271 883388
Website
http://www.sawmillsfreehouse.co.uk/
Payment Options
Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Jacques Roux

Location
The Old Sawmills Inn, Watermouth Valley, Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe EX34 9SJ
Area
Ilfracombe
Parking Details
Carpark
Public transport
Connected on Filers bus routes.
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

FAQs

Yes, guests report you can add special requests when booking online: the website accepts notes and sends a confirmation, and staff have accommodated children's and dietary requests on request.

The Sawmills feels like a warm, welcoming pub, cosy indoor seating (guests mention a log fire and a well-stocked bar), friendly attentive staff, and a convivial atmosphere at busier times.

Yes, The Sawmills has a charming decking area for al fresco dining, and guests have enjoyed eating outside there.

Yes, the owners say they welcome well‑behaved furry friends, and multiple guests report the pub is dog‑friendly both inside and outside.

Casual dress is the guide, comfortable, everyday clothing is entirely appropriate at The Sawmills.

Guests commonly describe portions as generous and plentiful, many reviews call mains and Sunday roasts large or huge.

Yes, The Sawmills welcomes families, and staff have accommodated parties with children (including fitting a child and toddler together), with children's meals available.

Yes, The Sawmills welcomes private parties and includes private gatherings in its offering.

For a classic Sawmills visit, plan for Sunday lunch, guests regularly praise the Sunday roast, making Sunday lunchtime a signature experience here.

Yes, several guests report lovely anniversary meals and praise the cosy, comfortable ambience, making The Sawmills a nice choice for a special evening.

The Sawmills has a cozy indoor dining room surrounding a well-stocked bar and a charming decking area for outdoor dining, and they also welcome private parties.

Sunday, The Sawmills' Sunday roast and Sunday menu are guest favourites, repeatedly praised in reviews.

Yes, The Sawmills welcomes well‑behaved dogs, with guests noting the pub is dog-friendly both inside and out on the decking.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a booking

The Sawmills

4.7

£25 and under

Pub

Ilfracombe

Make a booking

2 people

25 Oct 2026

20:30

Booked 15 times today

The Sawmills

Make a booking

The Sawmills

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Additional information

Concierge
AI Beta

Menu

Reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

Additional information

FAQs

Can I make any special requests before I arrive?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

Does this restaurant have outdoor seating?

Are pets (including service dogs and emotional support animals) allowed in this restaurant?

What is the dress code for The Sawmills?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

Does this restaurant have accessible or family-friendly seating?

Does this restaurant have private dining?

When is the best time to go to The Sawmills?

Is this a good pick for date night?

What seating arrangements/rooms does this restaurant have?

What is the best day to go to The Sawmills?

Is this restaurant dog-friendly?

Make a booking

The Sawmills

Make a booking