My Passion for Beer and the Importance of a Village local.

Having walked two miles uphill with my brother Jon, we arrived at the perfect spot to kick off my beer blog. A roaring fire in the fireplace and warm, genuine smiles from the bar staff confirmed that I’d made the right choice. Let me introduce you to the Palk Arms, a 16th-century public house nestled in the charming village of Hennock, within Dartmoor National Park. Visit their website here.

The Palk Arms is run by Mike (pictured next to me in the photograph above), a man whose passion for beer rivals my own. He plans to transform the pub into a brewpub in 2025, presumably to complement the two perfectly kept real ales already on offer. Mike’s expertise in brewing far exceeds mine. While I’m content to brew for personal enjoyment, Mike is embarking on his second commercial brewing venture. His first, Platform 5 Brewery, was located beneath the Railway Brew House in Newton Abbot. Reflecting on his past, Mike shared: “One to two barrels is enough for me. I don’t really want to brew for anyone else.”

This visit marked only my second time at the Palk Arms, but Mike recognised me from my first visit three months earlier and kindly allowed me to take photos for the blog. The pub’s quirky charm shone through in little touches, like signs proclaiming, “If you can read this, you need another drink” and “Nobody gets out sober”. Above all, it’s clear that the Palk Arms is a haven for connoisseurs of fine beer and cider.

During our brief stay, my brother and I couldn’t help but notice the vibrant sense of community. Tables were quickly refilled as patrons came and went, using the pub as a meeting place for friends, a hub for warmth and conversation, and even a spot for the occasional gossip. Chef Steve Taylor’s modest yet enticing menu of freshly cooked dishes added to the welcoming atmosphere. What struck me most, though, was the mix of ages among the clientele—proof that this pub is cherished by locals of all generations. For the villagers of Hennock, the Palk Arms must feel like a rare pearl.

Two days later, I shared my impressions with members of St. Mary’s Church in the village, and they wholeheartedly agreed. The Palk Arms isn’t just a pub; it’s an essential part of the community.