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The historic heart of North Bovey has been revitalised with the reopening of the much-loved Ring of Bells this month following the announcement of a new business partnership and a thoughtful refurbishment.
Award-winning Devon-based operators John and Emma Hooker – the acclaimed team behind The Cornish Arms in Tavistock and The Blacksmiths Arms in Lamerton – have joined forces with Ring of Bells owner Richard Edlmann to reimagine the renowned Dartmoor gem. The new alliance and subsequent refurbishment honour the pub’s traditional roots while injecting vibrant new life into its dining rooms, bar, kitchen and bedrooms.
The month-long closure saw a full, top-to-bottom transformation of the property, giving it a fresh new look while preserving its historic DNA.
Bar and cellar: Guests can expect a perfectly kept cellar serving an excellent selection of beers, ales and ciders, such as Dartmoor IPA, Reel, Harbour IPA, and Andsome Bay, alongside an expansive range of fine wines, premium spirits, and soft drinks.
Bedrooms: The pub’s five en-suite bedrooms have been charmingly refurbished, providing the perfect, cozy base for travellers looking to explore the stunning landscape of North Bovey and the wider Dartmoor area.
Kitchen: A striking, open-plan brand-new commercial kitchen has been installed. This state-of-the-art space features a highly efficient layout, creating an exceptional environment for the culinary team to deliver top-tier hospitality.
“We are thrilled and excited to be taking on the beloved Ring of Bells with Richard,” says John Hooker. “It’s such a handsome and characterful building that is steeped in history and it’s a welcome addition to our two other pubs on the other side of the moor. We’re overjoyed to be breathing new life into this beautiful inn and welcoming locals and visitors back into a warm, welcoming space.”
Following her full refurbishment of the interiors, Emma Hooker adds: “The look and feel for the Ring of Bells was a critical part of the refit. We wanted to bring the pub back to life with a hug of warmth while enhancing the character of this 13th century building with a more contemporary design. In keeping with our other properties, our colour palette encapsulates the inviting but restful, earthy tones of our natural environment.”
Bringing the same award-winning culinary style that made The Cornish Arms and The Blacksmiths Arms regional favourites, the new menu at The Ring of Bells celebrates the absolute best of West Country produce.
The kitchen focuses on elevated, yet comforting pub classics executed with signature flair. Launch dishes include a velvety spring pea soup, mustard cream, smoked ham hock and Davidstow Cheddar sourdough rarebit; rich beef brisket and woodland mushroom suet pie, served with crispy pink fir potatoes and ale gravy; and bright, seasonal desserts such as a lemon posset with new season strawberries and honeycomb.
Commenting on the new partnership, Richard, who has owned the centuries-old, thatched inn since 2012, says: “The Ring of Bells has been a hugely important part of my life over the past 14 years, I am extremely excited to be working with John, Emma and the team. Their pedigree as award-winning publicans will take the pub to new levels and really put ‘The Ringers’ on the map.”
The Ring of Bells is now open and ready to welcome old friends and new faces to experience the next chapter of this beloved Devon landmark.