Take one heart-of-the-village inn; add in a Salcombe Fishwife; throw in a chef who likes nothing better than catching his own fish – and you have a recipe for success!

Claire Mundy (the Salcombe Fishwife) and the angling chef (Malcolm Church) met when both of them were working at another inn in the area and dreamt of one day running their own, together. Now that dream has come true – at The Bear and Blacksmith, Chillington’s much loved village pub.

Sadly, Alex who took on a derelict pub in desperate need of TLC, closed for years and with no goodwill or reputation, has had to walk away from the pub he has lovingly resurrected, renovated and restored to the thriving throbbing centre of village life due to forthcoming surgery. Fortunately – and very much with Alex’s blessing – Malcolm, who has become a firm favourite with the pub’s regulars over the last year for his delicious food, will be the new chef/landlord whilst Claire will continue to run their seafood business par excellence.

Unsurprisingly, given that combination, Malcolm’s menu will feature the freshest fish and seafood in season but this isn’t just a fishy heaven – Devon’s finest meat will also be showcased , accompanied by the fabulous local produce on our doorstep. An ethos which Malcolm and Claire have embraced wholeheartedly throughout their careers.

“After more than 15 years chefing in the area, I have built up great connections with suppliers who I know will always provide me with awesome quality – like Alex Brazier at the Salcombe Meat Company. Working in partnership with people who really know their own products and won’t settle for anything less than the best, means I can guarantee the meals I serve are the best I can create”, explained Malcolm.

Malcolm’s involvement with the pub as a chef began with Sunday lunches, when he took on responsibility for those enabling Trish (Alex’s regular chef) to enjoy another day off. These featured traditional roast meats, always a stunning fish creation, plus a dish worth turning vegetarian for – thankfully, a tradition which he plans to continue along with a select number of ‘specials’.

“After I damaged my shoulder lifting, I was able to help Alex out by taking over for a week and everything just snowballed from there. Whilst obviously we feel badly for Alex after all his hard work to bring The Bear and Blacksmith back to life, Claire and I were in the right place at the right time – willing and able to step in and take over the lease.”

Bookings are preferred as everything is freshly prepared with food service from 12 – 2pm at lunchtimes and 6 – 9pm evenings. Sunday ‘roasts’ are available both lunchtimes and evenings.

Claire can still be found selling The Salcombe Fishwife range – including what are justifiably claimed as the best crab sandwiches in the area – at local Farmers’ Markets and their products are also available at Stokeley Farm Shop.

With their latest venture, Malcolm and Claire really can take you on a fabulous gastronomic journey from wave to plate… The Bear and Blacksmith, here we come!

Telephone 01548 581171 to book.