It is believed that the main site of the now, Cridford Inn, dates back to 1086 and was probably one of the nine small-holdings mentioned in the “Domesday Book” of that time, which belonged to the Abbey of Buckfast in the Manor of Trusham.

During the early 14th and 15th Centuries, the building itself was a farmhouse and the stained glass window in the bar is from this period and is probably the earliest surviving example of a Medieval domestic window in this country. The present floors and ceilings also date from this time, with the marks of the masons still able to be seen on the beams in the bar. Sadly not on view is the fine smoke blackened timber roof, one of the finest in the South of England. Also from this period, are the fireplaces in the present bar and restaurant, which would of course have replaced the central open fire, which gave this particular type of dwelling it’s name as a “Devon Longhouse”.

It is also believed that The Cridford Inn is home to two ghosts. One is said to be a Nun from the very early history of the Cridford and a second is a Cavalier from Trusham’s conflict with Ashton, a nearby village, during the Civil war. Both, however, are extremely well behaved and cause us little trouble! We are thrilled to know that we are the proud owners of one of the oldest domestic dwellings in Devon and are happy to share this piece of history with you. We hope that you enjoy your visit to the Cridford Inn!

The dream of opening up a Pub/Restaurant in the country has come true, in the shape of the picturesque village of Trusham. We originally opened up The Vanilla Pod Restaurant in Torquay in September 2003. The restaurant had become popular with the local community, tourists and people from further a field. With our experience and reputation we have a new challenge calling us in the form of the Cridford Inn.

Excellence of cuisine and an interesting wine cellar is the aim of this new temple to gourmet cooking. Ian the owner and Head Chef has been in the catering industry since leaving college, and has won many awards for his cuisine. Private parties can be catered for, we specialise in after meeting lunches or dinners for business professional teams, weddings, anniversaries and birthdays.

For that relaxed, nowhere to go in a hurry evening, then the menu will no doubt stimulate your taste buds. The starters alone , will make your mouth water...

Ian the owner and Head Chef personally buys only the best local produce around, the finest raw materials - meat, vegetables, wine. His chef skill reflects that quality by cooking to perfection - He even finds time for the occasional visit to the restaurant itself to check on the customers satisfaction.

Trained locally he has always worked in the area, and if you think of the finest local eateries, there is a good chance that Ian has brought them their reputation.

It's now time to take the reputation for himself.  "I am looking forward to providing you with a taste experience that is second to none.  Remember as you sample the starters and the mains to be sure you leave enough room for my award winning desserts."

Ian's motto is from a quote by Dione Lewis:
"The preparation of good food is merely an expression of one of the joys of civilized living."

Email: reservations@vanillapod-cridfordinn.com