The 12th century Harbour Inn at Axmouth is celebrating its 2nd year anniversary this week.

Many ingredients used at the Harbour Inn are sourced within 10 miles of the kitchen including native, high-welfare meat from Taste of Devon butchers in Seaton, game from local shoots, sustainably caught day boat fish from Lyme Bay - landed and then bought in person from Axmouth harbour, together with salad leaves from nearby Trill Farm and milk from Sutton Lucy Dairy near Honiton.

Open seven days a week and employing a total of 20 staff, the property comprises a spacious interior with medieval fireplace, a private dining area, separate function/games room, a patio area and large beer garden beside the Axe estuary.

The pub, owned by national chain Dorset-based Hall and Woodhouse, and is home to Michelin-trained and former South West Chef of the Year finalist Shaun Cassidy and his team.

Shaun said: “I grew up and have worked predominantly in East Devon so feel very connected to the area. After cutting my teeth renovating and successfully relaunching the Old Inn at nearby Kilmington during 2022, now feels the perfect time to really put my own stamp on somewhere with obvious year-round potential. Our aim is to do the simple things well – food, drink, weddings and functions, all underpinned by excellent hospitality.” “It’s also very important to make sure the village has a community space that it can use freely. We are proud to support, and be home to, a mixture of sports teams including pool, darts, skittles and traditional boules, as well as providing a venue for church fundraisers, book clubs, bingo and even yoga. I have a fantastic team in place and together we feel confident that we can take the business to the next level – our aim is to make the Harbour the best village pub in Devon and a respected food-led destination.”

Scott Rhodes-Ward, Business Development Partner for Hall & Woodhouse said: “Shaun is one of our most promising business partners – it’s extremely tough out there for pub landlords at the moment but as an established independent family brewery we’re here to lend him all the support that we can. In just over 12 months, through sheer hard work he has already transformed the business and now has ambitious plans for the future which we wholeheartedly support.”

As well as buying and employing locally, the pub is an active supporter of Seaton Cricket Club, Axminster Fire Station and Exeter Control Dispatch.

For more information on the pub visit: www.theharbouraxmouth.co.uk