Grab a drink, help yourself to bar snacks and make yourself comfy, while I tell you the tale of The Five Bells. It’s feel-good, I promise! Like so many village pubs before it, this formerly award-winning gastropub shut up shop post-Covid. And closed it would have stayed, were it not for the go-getting gumption of four locals. Hannah, now the pub manager, and her three friends, Amy, Emma and Lisa, who after hosting a range of Platinum Jubilee events alongside the other Community Groups which so wowed the locals, they convinced the owner-landlord to let them bring the place back to life. Two years later, after a complete refurb, it re-opened in August 2024 as The Five Bells Community Pub, all volunteer-run and with Hannah and her assistant manager Emily at the helm.

Now, it’s going great guns. With a new larger bar, a terracotta and slate-floored vibe, and welcoming fires crackling in the wood burning stoves. The range of local real ales on tap are reassuringly familiar, including Otter, Exeter Brewery, Crossed Anchors and Powderkeg, along with plenty of good wines by the glass, and an informal menu served up by local various caterers, Max & Mike’s Street Food and the fabulous Yellingham Farm Food to name just a couple.

You’ll find the pub down a sleepy lane in the village of Clyst Hydon, but it’s close to Exeter and only a few minutes from the M5 by car. This family and dog friendly pub open their doors Thursday – Sunday, and can recommend lots of good local walks nearby. There’s also a huge beer garden with beautiful views for relaxing with a cider when the sun shines! Big plans for a play area and stretch tent coming in summer 2025, along with space to hire for private events and parties.

Told you there was a happy ending. Go show them some support!