Pub of the month - November 2022

Perfectly positioned to explore all South Devon has to offer, it’s an obvious choice for our pub of the month this November – ready for you to experience the very best of the South West this autumn season, without the summer crowds.  

Immerse yourself in what has been dubbed the most eccentric town in Britain. Cosy up with us this November season in one of our en-suite rooms, join us for a quick bite to eat, or pop inside for a pint (or two!) to shelter from the dropping temperatures. The Royal Seven Stars has it all.  

GET TO KNOW THE TEAM, MEET BARNEY 

• What is your role at the Royal Seven Stars? 

Team Leader.  

• What do you enjoy the most about your role?  

Interaction with all the varied people that we have visit.  

• How do you spend your free time in the local area?  

Walking my dog, Wilson, along the beautiful River Dart.  

• What would your top recommendation be for guests staying in Totnes?  

I would definitely recommend a boat tour down the Dart from Totnes to Dartmouth.  

• What’s your favourite dish on the menu? 

Chicken Laksa, I love the Malaysian flavours.  

• Finally, can you sum up the Royal Seven Stars in 3 words?  

Unique, vintage, whacky.  

GRAB A BITE JUST MOMENTS FROM THE RIVER DART

With our autumn/winter menu released this month, treat your tastebuds to something new, or of course, enjoy pub favourites you know and love, expertly prepared by our chefs. Championing the very best local ingredients and showcasing the culinary talent of our kitchen teams across the South West, there’s truly something for everyone. 

Focusing on seasonal specials, delicious desserts, and our vegan and vegetarian offering, our new menu is sure to go down a treat among your family and friends. A meal at the Royal Seven Stars would be incomplete without sampling one of our award-winning beers, perfectly paired with our dishes – ask our team to find the right match for you. 

Situated just moments from the River Dart, enjoy a simple stroll or dog-walk along the historic waterway before sinking into comfort at our pub, cosying up beside the fire.

STEP BACK IN TIME

The Royal Seven Stars is a late-17th-century courtyard house which, according to the Historic England listing, was ‘probably’ built by the mayor, George Rooke, in 1685.  

Did you know? It’s said that author Daniel Dafoe stayed in the inn during his visit to the West Country. Dafoe observed that Totnes was a ‘very good town’, with more gentlemen than traders, a sign of its prosperous development.  

By the 1800s, Totnes was growing rapidly. New trade, coupled with the arrival of the railway, saw changes to the hotel – the courtyard was roofed in, a first-floor ballroom was installed and a new staircase with turned balusters was added. The front of the building was also rebuilt in c.1825 and the porch added in 1840. The ballroom became a significant and popular feature of the hotel during the 19th and 20th centuries, hosting dances, classes, functions and auctions.  

It wasn’t until 1876 that we see the first addition of ‘Royal’ to the hotel’s name, though it’s not entirely clear why this was added.  

St Austell acquired two properties in Devon in 2020, the Royal Seven Stars along with the Royal Castle in Dartmouth.  

WHAT'S ON?

Not sure when to visit? Plan your trip around one of these events and get involved with the local community. 

Family Roller Disco – 12th November – 10th December 

Get your skates on! Check out the roller disco at the Totnes Leisure Centre and test your balance. Transporting you back to the 80s, this is a family outing unlike any other and is sure to have you giggling.  

Experience the Magic at Pennywell – 18th November – 24th December 

Transformed into a winter wonderland, Pennywell Farm is the perfect place to take the little ones this Christmas. With festive treats along the way, farm animal encounters, and a trip to Father Christmas, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season.  

Train of Lights – 25th November – 30th December

Travel from Paignton to Dartmouth on this spectacular festive journey. Hop on a vintage carriage, decorate with thousands of lights both inside and out before embarking on a magical experience through tunnels and enchanting forests, finally arriving at Dartmouth and the brightly lit River Dart entrance.  

Glass Workshop – 13th November 

Ever fancied creating your own unique glass piece for your home? Whether you’ve worked with glass in the past or not, award-winning glass artist, Steve Robinson, will take you through every step of the process leaving you with a handmade wall hanging, or free-standing panel. 

Hibernation – 3rd – 4th December 

Join the award-winning theatre group, Light Bulb, in Dartington with the family-friendly show. Bring your favourite blanket and cuddly friends along for the journey and discover whimsical creatures in a magical winter forest.  

Totnes Christmas Market – 6th, 13th and 20th December 

Find unique gifts for your loved ones as your browse through independent stalls, with a mulled cider in tow. With live music, a free gnome trail for the little ones, and specially curated food stalls, it’s the perfect way to embrace the festive season.

GO ON A HIKE

Totnes Town Trail 

Discover the Totnes of the past – wander through the narrow streets to discover a town crammed full of history while you do a little window browsing and explore charming cafes along your way. Just a short 40-minute trail, this is a great way to get your bearings and dip your toes into this picturesque town.  

Extend your walk by following the River Dart to nearby Dartington, just continuing along the riverside path. You’ll certainly have walked up an appetite on your return! With the leaves falling and the temperature dropping, cosy up by the fireplace and tuck into our fish pie, washed down with a perfectly poured pint of Tribute pale ale. 

Green Lanes around Cornworthy 

With spectacular views stretching out across the moors to the coast, the historic green lanes through Cornworthy, Tuckenhay and Allaleigh are a fantastic way to explore a little of South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Follow this circular trail around for just under four hours – we recommend packing a picnic to take in the stunning scenery around you, and of course, be sure to bring your camera.   

While it can get a little muddier during the colder months, this hike is a fantastic way to explore Devon’s unique landscape making it a popular choice for walkers.  

Did you know, Devon has more roads that any other county? Over 8,000 miles – yet it’s highly unlikely you’ll find any vehicles on the green lanes having been left unpaved.  

Gara Bridge and Bickham Bridge 

If you are looking for a slighter shorter walk under the two-hour mark, this circular trail is the perfect route. And, with December approaching, this walk is about to become extra special – lookout for signs of the old railway running through the valley, known as the ‘Primrose Line’ thanks to the gorgeous carpet of flowers blooming along it. Opening in 1863 and closing 70 years later, you can still see traces of the area’s railway past. An interesting walk throughout, you can also find Bickham Bridge, first mentioned in a charter dated AD 962.  

After thoroughly exploring the tree-lined route, retreat to the comfort of the Royal Seven Stars. Give your hiking boots a break, and enjoy a hearty pub meal, planning your adventure for the next day. 

MAKE IT A ROAD TRIP

Extend your trip and explore the full scope of Devon. Rather than heading straight for the motorway, cruise along the South West 660, taking in spectacular views all the while avoiding the stresses of the main road. Why not cruise the promenade at the centre of the English Riviera, following it round Torbay to the bustling fishing port of Brixham? Or, continue west through the South Hams and experience the delights of the Exe Estuary. 

There are some lovely places to stay along the route in both directions. For Exeter and onwards towards Plymouth, consider the Mill on the Exe and the Rose & Crown. Or, for nearby Dartmouth, try last month’s pub of the month, the Royal Castle.  

STAY WITH US

We’re offering you an exclusive 10% discount for stays at the Royal Seven Stars, booked in November. Use the code ‘PUB10’ to redeem and escape to the charming town of Totnes.   

* All bookings must be made before November 30th. Only available for use on bookings made before April 18th at the Royal Seven Stars.