Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT/WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/gallery_furzeleigh_christmas_6343.jpg" alt="Furzeleigh Mill Buckfastleigh" class="wp-image-50073" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/gallery_furzeleigh_christmas_6343.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/gallery_furzeleigh_christmas_6343-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/gallery_furzeleigh_christmas_6343-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/11/gallery_furzeleigh_christmas_6343-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Mill is set in the beautiful Buckfast countryside, yet is incredibly easy to access from the A38. While it began life as a spring-fed corn mill back in 1547, there have been quite some changes since then &#8211; not least excellent locally produced coffees, lunch and dinners. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/furzeleighh-lounge.jpeg" alt="seating area and wood burner at Furzeleigh Mill Buckfastleigh " class="wp-image-80819" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/furzeleighh-lounge.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/furzeleighh-lounge-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/furzeleighh-lounge-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/furzeleighh-lounge-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The owners Tessa and Geoff Sellick bought <a href="https://furzeleigh.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Furzeleigh Mill</a> in 2018 and have worked tirelessly (despite the unmentionable Covid) to transform it into a welcoming and artistically decorated restaurant. You can also stay in a choice of 10 boutique bedrooms. The cheekily-named Lustleigh Honeymoon room is on our hitlist&#8230;</p>



<p>We&#8217;re talking locally sourced food, made to order, so you&#8217;re always guaranteed fantastic food at the point of perfect freshness. Owners Tessa and Geoff are ably assisted by culinary power couple Rhys and Abbie McMurray who step up to chef and front of house skills respectively. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/geoff-studio.jpeg" alt="Geoff Sellick artist studio at Furzeleigh Mill Buckfastleigh Devon " class="wp-image-80821" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/geoff-studio.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/geoff-studio-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/geoff-studio-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/geoff-studio-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Geoff is also an artist and has a small studio shop at the entrance to the mill where he sells his landscape oil paintings inspired by his Dartmoor home. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/geoffsellick-art.jpeg" alt="Geoff Sellick art " class="wp-image-80822" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/geoffsellick-art.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/geoffsellick-art-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/geoffsellick-art-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/geoffsellick-art-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>He has branched out recently into creating silk scarves along with rugs and wall hangings using pixelated versions of his abstract artworks (you may have entered our recent Muddy comp to win one of his fab scarves) which also feature on the table runners throughout the dining room. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/08/furzeleigh-bedroom.jpg" alt="Furzeleigh Mill Buckfastleigh" class="wp-image-68536" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/08/furzeleigh-bedroom.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/08/furzeleigh-bedroom-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/08/furzeleigh-bedroom-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/08/furzeleigh-bedroom-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/08/furzeleigh-bedroom-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>They have cleverly and adeptly used the same colours and designs of Geoff&#8217;s art to influence the decoration throughout the hotel, making for a very stylish, calm and cohesive ambience. Who could fail to get a gorgeous night&#8217;s sleep here?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/furzeleigh-table.jpeg" alt="cosy nook at Furzleigh Mill Restaurant Buckfassteligh Devon " class="wp-image-80826" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/furzeleigh-table.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/furzeleigh-table-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/furzeleigh-table-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/furzeleigh-table-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The seasonal menu has changed from the fine dining of their early days, and now veers towards a crowd-pleasing and hearty mix of burger, steak, fish dishes and one vegan plus daily specials. While they&#8217;re extremely accommodating for gluten-free and other intolerances, you do need to give them a phone call before the booking and they will cook whatever you wish.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/closeup-fig.jpeg" alt="baked goats cheese and fig dish at Fuzeleigh Mill restaurant Buckfastleigh Devon " class="wp-image-80827" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/closeup-fig.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/closeup-fig-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/closeup-fig-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/closeup-fig-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For my starter I chose the Baked Goats Cheese with Honey and Fig served on a deliciously crisp piece of focaccia whilst Mr Muddy opted for the Soup of the Day, a smooth creamy Cauliflower and Stilton made with roasted cauliflower which so tasty that I had to stop Mr Muddy from licking the bowl.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/steak-furze.jpeg" alt="Torbay sole and steak at Fuzeleigh Mill restaurant Buckfastleigh Devon " class="wp-image-80828" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/steak-furze.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/steak-furze-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/steak-furze-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/steak-furze-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>To follow, I went for the Fish of the Day, a Torbay sole (the fish is delivered daily) which came with fabulously crunchy chips and a Caesar dressed salad. Himself opted for local Steak which arrived the perfectly cooked with parmentier potatoes, vine cherry tomatoes and a dense, flavoursome red wine sauce. (Incidentally, the cattle live in the field next door to Furzeleigh Mill and at the end of service Tessa likes to take them any leftover vegetable scraps as a little treat so we absolutely know that they have been very well cared for.) </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/blackberry.jpeg" alt="blueberry cheesecake at Furzeleigh Mill Restaurant Buckfastleigh " class="wp-image-80829" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/blackberry.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/blackberry-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/blackberry-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/blackberry-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>In the unlikely event that you have any room for dessert, we greedily checked out the Key Lime Pie (exquisite!) and the Blueberry Cheesecake which was just the right mix of sweet and tangy, and served with a homemade ice cream that has to be tasted to be believed. So good!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/sandford-cider-3.jpg" alt="Sandford Cider " class="wp-image-80832" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/sandford-cider-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/sandford-cider-3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/sandford-cider-3-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/sandford-cider-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/sandford-cider-3-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I always like to choose a local wine if possible and chose a glass of Devon vineyard’s ‘Calancombe Estate Bacchus’ as recommended by Abbie from the well curated wine list. Absolutely delicious and it paired perfectly with the fish. He chose his perennial favourite, Sandford’s Cider, award-winning and super-local as it comes from local apples and is brewed in Crediton. FYI for gin lovers, their list is very extensive and even includes a special gin made only for them &#8211; Lady Furzleigh’s Melon and Papaya no less! Defo one to try on my next visit. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anything-else">ANYTHING ELSE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/08/furzeleigh-courtesycar.jpeg" alt="Furzeleigh Mill Courtesy car Epicurean Tours" class="wp-image-68599" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/08/furzeleigh-courtesycar.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/08/furzeleigh-courtesycar-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/08/furzeleigh-courtesycar-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/08/furzeleigh-courtesycar-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Groups are also very well catered for, and the Mill hosts regular special events, including Tapas Nights, Murder Mystery evenings and a Bottomless Brunch.&nbsp; For guests&#8217; convenience they also provide a courtesy car:a luxury seven-seater mini bus and they are happy to collect and drop you back to Ashburton, Newton Abbot and even further afield with advanced warning for a lower cost then a taxi and with no depressed designated driver necessary. </p>



<p>I have my eye on a couple of the special events, perhaps the Halloween gin and cocktail night where any three gins and mixers from their extensive collection are a bargain at only £15, there will also be some spooky handcrafted cocktails and a special set menu on offer. On October 18 you could even choose the elegance of a Bridgerton Afternoon Tea party.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>The downstairs is fully accessible and they have a small ramp that they use for wheelchair access to the front door. That said, it is a very old building and stairs are required to access the bedrooms. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG-FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Dogs are welcome in the bar area which has plenty of dining tables to choose from. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids">KIDS?</h2>



<p>Children are very welcome, unsurprising considering Tessa has raised 11 of her own (including foster children) and is actively choosing to train local youngsters into the valuable art of hospitality. Dishes on the dedicated children&#8217;s menu cost £8pp and include quality but kid-pleasing sausages and mash, fish or chicken goujons and macaroni cheese.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="624" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/buckfast.jpeg" alt="Buckfast Abbey" class="wp-image-49372" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/buckfast.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/buckfast-800x499.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/buckfast-768x479.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/buckfast-841x525.jpeg 841w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Buckfast Abbey </figcaption></figure>



<p>Buckfastleigh is charming, with a river and pretty period cottages and alleyways off a sweet little high street. There&#8217;s a huge designer outlet store, <a href="https://societyhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society House</a>, filled with a range of good quality furniture and home furnishings, and a gorgeous boho women&#8217;s preloved store, <a href="https://www.thedoe.co.uk/thestable" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Stable</a>, open on Saturdays. If you can possibly squeeze in another mouthful, try <a href="https://www.thedoe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Doe</a> for glass of natural wine too. The big hitter here though is <a href="https://www.buckfast.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buckfast Abbey</a>, home to Benedictine monks, beautiful gardens and regular services and seasonal events. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/dessert-menu.jpeg" alt="Furzeleigh Mill dessert menu " class="wp-image-80833" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/dessert-menu.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/dessert-menu-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/dessert-menu-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/dessert-menu-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Both Furzeleigh Mill and its owners are an absolute delight. Genuinely cannot wait to return. It’s just two minutes from the main road if we’re passing, or it’s a comfortable ride from Newton Abbot train station via Geoff’s courtesy car. The food was tasty, perfectly cooked and the atmosphere was very warm and friendly. </p>



<p><strong>Good for</strong>: a friendly pitstop when you&#8217;re in your wellies and on the moor with the pooch; a super-local Sunday lunch with the family; dressing up the nines for a romantic twosome; grabbing your mates and heading over for a Bottomless Brunch, afternoon tea or Tapas Night; it&#8217;s also unusual to find a restaurant that&#8217;s open every day away from the city, so handy for a last-minute; plus buffets, weddings, private parties. </p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: a wildly buzzing atmos, here&#8217;s more serene.</p>



<p><strong>The damage</strong>: Starters £8.50 for the soup and £9 for the Baked Goat’s cheese; Mains £29 for the fish of the day  and £32 for the local steak; desserts are all £8; wine by the glass from £6.75, cider £5.60.</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://furzeleigh.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Furzeleigh Mill Inn</a>, Ashburton Road, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0JP</em></strong>; <strong> </strong><a href="https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tZP1zcsMyxLzjW1MGC0UjWoMLEwS05LMbc0M7E0MLdIS7EyqDBLtTRPTjMzNDA0TDZJMbH04k8rLapKzUnNTM9QyM3MyQEAnLcUXA&amp;q=furzeleigh+mill&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB905GB905&amp;oq=furzeeligh+mi&amp;aqs=chrome.1.69i57j46i13i175i199i512i654i664j69i64j0i13i512l5.3384j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#">01364 643476</a> <strong><em>open daily 8am-11pm.</em></strong></p>


Review: Leisurely lunch at Furzeleigh Mill, Buckfastleigh

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