Get the pick of the week's stories and fascinating Devon history features direct to your inbox every Saturday morning in our exclusive Weekend Report newsletter Sign me up! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Only in Devon could you possibly find a 98-year-old landlady sat in the corner of a room within her farmhouse serving just one beer and a menu of peanuts and crisps.

The Luppitt Inn is one of the last small, informal alehouses in Britain, and its uniqueness is down to far more than just its size.

The adventure begins before you even step through the door because first you have to find it within its tucked away location down a steep hill in the East Devon countryside near Honiton.

(Image: Anita Merritt)

You also have to be sure to time a visit right because it is only open three evenings a week from Thursday to Saturday, and only from 7.30pm onwards.

Don’t expect to find any food or music because there is none, and the toilets are across the yard. Its primitive facilities though have not stopped the watering hole winning a place in the real ale drinker's bible published by the Campaign for Real Ale. It is also on its National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors.

(Image: Anita Merritt)

It becomes apparent why as soon as walk into the pub entrance,found at the front of the farmhouse. It's like stepping back into a world where time has stood still because very little, if anything, has changed inside its walls over the years.

To the left is a small room with a fireplace, dartboard and a mix-match of small tables and chairs, and in the other direction is a door leading to the main bar where the highlight of the trip awaits.

(Image: Anita Merritt)

Should you be lucky enough, sat behind the ‘bar’ – a makeshift counter made of matchboard – will be Mary Wright who has been welcoming guests to the Luppitt Inn for more than 70 years.

There are few seats to choose from, and an even limited choice of drinks. Its one and only beer is locally brewed Otter Bitter. Cider lovers are also catered as Mary has a collection of unchilled Thatcher cans behind the bar, and also on offer is a limited selection of spirits, mixers and wine. It’s cash only and there is no till.

(Image: Anita Merritt)

Surrounding the bar is simple wooden shelves and the walls are adorned with interesting snippets from history, including of awards, historic pictures of the pub, a beauty queen, and even a signed photo of Tina Turner.

When asked if she is the pub’s most famous visitor, Mary chuckles at the thought and instead reveals the picture was a gift from a neighbour who went on tour with the singer.

(Image: Anita Merritt)

Other gifts that can be found in the pub are a collection of intriguing metal puzzles made by another neighbour. Legend has it that Mary tests new customers by handing them puzzles, and rarely serves anyone but the local regulars.

Again this makes her chuckle because she says neither are true, although she is partial to a game of cards with customers.

“I don’t mind anybody coming in here,” she said. “Years ago it was busy a lot of the time, especially weekends, but it’s not now. It has definitely gone quieter. Nowadays you probably get around half a dozen people during the evening."

(Image: Anita Merritt)

The inn, previously known as the Red Lion Inn, was opened by Charles Wright, grandfather of Mary's late husband Albert, who took it over from his father in 1950. He ran it with Mary, who he had one child with, until his death in 1989 at the age of 73. Since then she has run it alone, and despite being in exceptional health for age, her granddaughter Caroline and her husband Philip now help keep it open.

Mary, whose full name Vera Mary Wright remains above the front door of the pub, said: “I was born on a farm on the other side of the village but I can’t remember if I came to the pub much before I married when I was about 22, and I’ve lived here since.

"I've enjoyed being a landlady, but I can't tell you many stories because my memory isn't so good these days.Caroline and Philip now open the pub for me. They don’t expect me to because I am in my nineties!"

(Image: Anita Merritt)

Rather than being sat behind the bar, more often than not Mary can be found sat in the room next door which means she doesn’t get to miss out on seeing familiar visitors.

She said: “I’ve always joined in with things and customers still come and see me where I’m sat so we still have our chats. Pubs can bring communities together."

What the future holds for The Luppitt Inn remains uncertain because pubs like this simply just don't exist anymore. I for one hope it will be around for many more years to come so that Devon can continue to be proud of its quirky and unique places and people you would never find anywhere else.