Often regarded as the most beautiful restaurant in Devon. This Grade II Star Heritage England former monastery, now over 800 years old is the perfect venue for morning coffee, lovely lunch, afternoon teas, or delightful evening dinners. Privately owned this delightful restaurant is now in its 6th year of AA Rosette awards.
Ideally located just a 5-minute hop off the A30 to Cornwall, yet only 25 mins drive from Exeter.
Service is superb, with separate lunch and dinner menus with special dishes prepared by talented chefs along with delicious plated Sunday Lunches and special food and wine events. Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free and special dietary needs are catered for. Dogs are welcome in the 1477 Bar and gardens which offer stunning views of Dartmoors Cosdon Beacon
Where is The Oxenham Arms located?
The Ox is a former Benedictine monastery at the heart of the beautiful medieval village of South Zeal.
25 minutes from Exeter
5 minutes off the A30 to Cornwall
12 minutes from Okehampton
40 minutes from Torquay
15 minutes from Chagford / Moretonhampstead.
What cuisine is on offer at The Oxenham Arms?
The food offered is an exciting blend of value modern British fresh locally sourced foods with a continental medieval twist reflecting the period of the building.
Private dining is available for both lunchtimes and evenings by pre-booking
A morning coffee/tea menu
A lunch menu including light bites and sharing platters
Afternoon Cream Teas, High Teas, Champagne Teas by pre-order
Evening Dinner menu
Sunday lunch menu
100 wines including Fine and Rare wines
70 Gins, 30 Ports, and a fabulous selection of spirits, local real ales on tap, and local ciders.
What is the signature dish at The Oxenham Arms?
For example,
An overnight beer-braised local Pork belly with fondant Devon potato, a tangle of greens, crisp pork crackling, and apple jus made from homegrown apples.
A Seabass Escabesh with homegrown herb salad, crostini, and orange syrup
A Strawberry shortbread stack with Chantilly cream and sour poached fresh strawberries
A Night Porter 5 local Devon and Cornwall Cheeseboard with a half bottle of Port.
What makes a meal at The Oxenham Arms unique?
Simply the building, location, food, and service. You could choose to eat anywhere but here you are sitting and having a fabulous meal in the company of Charles Dickens, Lord Nelson, Baring-Gould, Lord Kitchener, Prince Charles, Jon Pertwee, The Two Ronnies, The Galloping Gourmet - Graham Kerr, David Bowie, all of whom have stayed here and enjoyed this incredible building, wonderful food and great times. There is simply nothing else like this anywhere in the world.
Other Information
4 different and separate eating areas plus patio and outside tables on fine days
Child friendly
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the 1477 bar and gardens where all menus are available.
In the Dartmoor National Park and so you can walk onto Dartmoor from the restaurant.
The Ox offers walking guides you can take and read/follow from a 30-minute walk up to 4 hours.
Around the building, you will find a tremendous amount of ancient history and displays to read, so take your time and plan to enjoy your unique experience traveling back in time! Souvenirs are available.