Quick info
About The Diggers Rest
The Diggers Rest is a 500-year-old thatched pub in the East Devon countryside, at Woodbury Salterton, Exeter. It sits opposite a church in the village and came under new ownership in February 2026. Sunday lunch is on the menu, with roast beef and gammon among the roasts. Tables can be booked, and booking times are set so guests avoid waiting. A bar and lounge area sits separate from the restaurant, so the drinking and dining spaces are distinct. A games room has board games and pool. Dogs are welcome inside.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree parking lot · Free street parking · On-site parking
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom, seating
- Good for kidsGood for kids
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sunday roast, fish and chips, pork belly bites and venison steak.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sunday roast, fish and chips, pork belly bites and venison steak.
Customer Review Summary
Sunday lunch draws the most mentions, with reviewers praising the roast beef and gammon, pigs in blankets with bubble and squeak, and tasty meats with smashing vegetables. Close behind are pork belly bites, ribs, pie, whitebait, venison steak and fish and chips with light crispy batter, plus a portion of massive chips. Staff are repeatedly called welcoming, friendly and attentive, and the games room with board games and pool gets a nod, along with a nice atmosphere and dogs and kids being welcome. The caveats are mostly about portions and pacing. One diner found the sweet potato gnocchi tiny, about four or five pieces in a thick sauce, and left hungry. Another waited about 40 minutes for mains after a large table ahead, and one went a whole evening without being asked about another drink. The restaurant area is described as a little loud because of the hard floor and ceiling, while the bar and lounge is called delightful. Several say they plan to return soon.
Customer Review Summary
Sunday lunch draws the most mentions, with reviewers praising the roast beef and gammon, pigs in blankets with bubble and squeak, and tasty meats with smashing vegetables. Close behind are pork belly bites, ribs, pie, whitebait, venison steak and fish and chips with light crispy batter, plus a portion of massive chips. Staff are repeatedly called welcoming, friendly and attentive, and the games room with board games and pool gets a nod, along with a nice atmosphere and dogs and kids being welcome. The caveats are mostly about portions and pacing. One diner found the sweet potato gnocchi tiny, about four or five pieces in a thick sauce, and left hungry. Another waited about 40 minutes for mains after a large table ahead, and one went a whole evening without being asked about another drink. The restaurant area is described as a little loud because of the hard floor and ceiling, while the bar and lounge is called delightful. Several say they plan to return soon.
Featured reviews
- Tammi Ferguson
“Ordered some chips while enjoying a Otter Morris' day of dance. They were massive and absolutely delicious. Washed them down with some ice cream. The staff were lovely and the whole place is so cosy and welcoming.”
- Carys Alphonse-Davey
“Visited for a family meal last weekend. As soon as we walked in I noticed how clean the place was. It was quiet but the atmosphere was still great. The lady who served us was really welcoming and friendly. The food was lovely. There was a couple of other things on the menu I would like to try, will definitely be returning soon!”
- Jon Tamlyn
“Beautiful old pub opposite a pretty church. The food was good quality and the staff were warm, professional and friendly. Unfortunately I chose the sweet potato gnocchi for my main course and was surprised at how small the serving was: about 4 or 5 pieces of gnocchi in a thick sauce. It would have barely made a starter. Really disappointing at £17. I left hungry. Everyone else was happy with their meals.”
- Marie Tucker
“We had a really lovely meal here. It’s a lovely pub with nice decor and a fantastic menu. Service with a smile too. My only criticism is that we went an entire evening without anyone checking if we wanted another drink during our meal. So just a tiny bit more checking in with diners would be good. Otherwise, very very good. Well worth a visit.”
- Vann Boy
“A very enjoyable Sunday lunch. Lovely presentation, tasty meats and smashing vegetables. Very attentive, friendly, helpful service. A little loud in the restaurant because of the hard floor and ceiling, but a delightful area in the bar/lounge. Recommended.”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Under New Ownership Since Feb 2026 This stunning 500 year old thatched pub is nestled in the East Devon countryside surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful views. A warm welcome awaits. We have ample parking in our car park, a gorgeous sunny beer garden with enclosed pods for those colder days that the British weather will always throw into the mix. We are family friendly, especially those with four legs. We look forward to seeing you all soon”
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
- Sports
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Takeout
Show more amenities
- Dine-in
- Good for kids
- Food at bar
- Cozy
- Onsite services
- Beer
- Highlights· 7
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
- Sports
- Trivia night
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Offerings· 6
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Food
- Free water refills
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Dining options· 3
- Outside food allowed
- Seating
- Table service
- Facilities· 2
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Atmosphere· 2
- Casual
- Romantic
- Crowd· 4
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
- Parking· 5
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- On-site parking
- Paid parking lot
- Parking
Location
Bars near The Diggers Rest
- The Puffing Billy Inn4.51,0082.5 mi£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
roast dinner, cauliflower cheese, fish and chips
- Pinhoe Hoard4.22,7254.5 mi£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleGood for kids
40% off main meals, lasagne, seabass
- Double Locks4.43,5924.9 mi
canal-side location, cyder battered haddock, dog friendly
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Diggers RestReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.6633 | — | £20–30 | sunday roast, fish and chips, pork belly bites |
| The Puffing Billy InnReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.51,008 | 2.5 mi | £20–30 | roast dinner, cauliflower cheese, fish and chips |
| Pinhoe HoardReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Good for kids | 4.22,725 | 4.5 mi | £20–30 | 40% off main meals, lasagne, seabass |
| Double Locks | 4.43,592 | 4.9 mi | — | canal-side location, cyder battered haddock, dog friendly |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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