Sir Walter Raleigh
22 High Street, East Budleigh, EX9 7ED
Member Overview
Award‑Winning Community Pub at the Heart of East Budleigh
The Sir Walter Raleigh is a historic, community‑owned village pub and restaurant located in East Budleigh, East Devon, the birthplace of the Elizabethan explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. Housed within a 16th‑century thatched building, the pub is widely regarded as the social heart of the village, offering high‑quality, locally sourced food, well‑kept real ales and a warm, inclusive welcome for locals and visitors alike.
A Pub Saved by Its Community
The Sir Walter Raleigh is proudly owned and run by the local community, following a successful community buy‑out when the pub closed in 2022. Hundreds of local investors came together to secure its future, ensuring the pub remains open, independent and rooted in village life. Today, it operates as a thriving example of how community ownership can protect and enhance Devon’s rural pub culture.
Food & Drink with Provenance
Food at the Sir Walter Raleigh has earned national recognition, including an AA Rosette for food quality, and a Gold Award at the Food Drink Devon Awards. The kitchen focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with menus that balance traditional pub favourites with seasonal, carefully prepared dishes.
What’s on the Menu
- Relaxed pub lunches and dinners
- Daily changing specials based on local produce
- Vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free options
- Highly regarded Sunday roasts (booking advised)
Alongside food, the pub serves four well‑kept cask ales, real cider and a thoughtful selection of wines and spirits, making it a favourite with both food lovers and real‑ale enthusiasts.
Walt’s Café
Adding to its versatility, the Sir Walter Raleigh also runs Walt’s Café on selected mornings, serving:
- Fresh coffee and teas
- Bacon rolls
- Home‑baked cakes
This café element reinforces its role as an all‑day village hub, rather than simply an evening destination.
Events, Community & Atmosphere
More than just a pub, the Sir Walter Raleigh hosts:
- Regular quiz nights
- Live music and themed evenings
- Seasonal events, including beer festivals
Its characterful interior features period details, cosy corners and a welcoming bar, while a rear beer garden provides additional seating in warmer months. Dogs are welcome in the bar area, and families are warmly received.
Stay Above the Pub – Raleigh’s Rest
For visitors wishing to stay longer, Raleigh’s Rest is a beautifully restored two‑bedroom holiday apartment located above the pub. Sleeping up to four guests, it retains original features such as exposed beams and offers an ideal base for exploring East Devon’s countryside and coastline.
Pubs & Inns | Community‑Owned Businesses | Restaurants & Bars | Real Ale | East Devon | Sir Walter Raleigh pub | East Budleigh pub | community-owned pub Devon | East Devon dining | real ale Devon
Pubs & Inns | Community‑Owned Businesses | Restaurants & Bars | Real Ale | East Devon | Sir Walter Raleigh pub | East Budleigh pub | community-owned pub Devon | East Devon dining | real ale Devon
Where to find us