The Instow Arms pub on Marine Parade beside Instow waterfront at dusk

Food and drink in Instow

The Instow Arms, Instow

A lively waterfront pub with a genuinely varied menu, good value food and an easy atmosphere for families, dogs, drinks and sunny evenings by the estuary.

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At a glance

Best for
Families, dogs, groups, waterfront drinks and a varied casual meal
Price
££
Location
On Marine Parade beside Instow’s waterfront
Dogs
Dogs welcome downstairs and outside
Families
Family friendly, with a children’s menu
Booking
Worth arranging ahead for busy summer evenings and view tables

Our review

The Instow Arms is our pick when we want an easy, good-value meal with more choice than the standard coastal pub menu, especially with family or a dog in tow. It is a busy, relaxed waterfront pub rather than an intimate restaurant, but that is part of the appeal.

The menu goes well beyond the predictable fish and chips and burger options, although it does those too. There are seafood dishes, tacos, rice bowls, sharing plates, Sunday roasts and more interesting small dishes, giving it more choice than most nearby casual food stops.

Service has always been good when we have visited. There are plenty of staff, the bar has a good atmosphere and it is particularly lively on sunny Friday to Sunday evenings. If you are dining upstairs, request a front-window table for the best view across the estuary.

It is a cool building with plenty going on, and it makes a more affordable alternative to The Boathouse next door if you want a proper meal in Instow without the same price point.

Inside and out

Interior bar at The Instow Arms beneath a large St George’s flag
Specials board and staircase inside The Instow Arms
Estuary view through a front-window table at The Instow Arms
Front of The Instow Arms beside Instow waterfront

What to order

Seafood boil with shellfish, potatoes, corn and bread at The Instow Arms

Seafood boil

At £19.95, this is great value. A generous portion with a proper mix of seafood and full of authentic flavour. It is messy to eat, but that is part of the fun and it is absolutely delicious.

Crispy chilli beef served with peppers and bread at The Instow Arms

Crispy chilli beef

A very strong version of the classic Asian dish and a firm favourite. It is generous for a small dish and has clearly stayed on the menu for a reason.

Onion rings, chips and side dishes on a table at The Instow Arms

Sides worth ordering

The onion rings and chips are both good versions of the classics. Ideal for sharing alongside a main meal or small plates.

Why we keep coming back

The Instow Arms manages to feel easy and informal while still giving you far more menu choice than a standard seaside pub. It works just as well for a casual family meal as it does for drinks after a walk, and there is enough variety for groups with different tastes.

The food is generally good value, service is efficient and the setting by the water is hard to beat. On a sunny evening it can be properly lively, which makes it a good choice when you want atmosphere rather than quiet.

Go here if

  • You want good food with a more varied menu than the usual coastal pub options.
  • You are after seafood, tacos, rice bowls, small plates, roasts or classic pub food in one place.
  • You have a dog and need an easy downstairs or outdoor dining option.
  • You are meeting family or friends for a casual occasion.
  • You want a waterfront meal that is generally more affordable than The Boathouse.
  • You are planning a family celebration, group meal or event. The upstairs Loft is a private dining and event space with estuary views.

Maybe choose somewhere else if

  • You want a quiet, intimate or more romantic meal.
  • You dislike busy pubs on sunny summer weekends.
  • You want a more polished, restaurant-led occasion. The Boathouse next door may suit that better.

Getting there and parking

The Instow Arms is at Hatton Croft, Marine Parade, Instow, Devon EX39 4JJ, by the waterfront. Instow parking is manageable, but it can feel like a lottery on sunny summer days and weekend evenings.

There are public car parks at either end of the main waterfront stretch, including Marine Parade Car Park and Sandhills Car Park. Do not rely on finding unrestricted roadside parking. Check signs, restrictions and current charges before leaving the car.

Sandhills Car Park is also where you will find The Glorious Oyster, making it useful to know if you are exploring more of Instow before or after your meal.

Sundays and events

The Instow Arms serves Sunday roasts and regularly hosts garden events and live music.

The Loft

The Loft is The Instow Arms’ private dining and event space upstairs, with estuary views. It is one of Instow’s stronger options for group occasions and can be tailored for family celebrations, wedding receptions, business gatherings and similar events.

Quick answers

Questions about The Instow Arms.

Is The Instow Arms dog friendly?

Yes. Dogs are welcome downstairs and outside.

Is The Instow Arms good for families?

Yes. It is family friendly, has a children’s menu and works well for relaxed group meals.

Is The Instow Arms good for a special occasion?

For a relaxed family celebration or group gathering, yes. The Loft is their upstairs private dining and event space with estuary views.

Where can I park near The Instow Arms?

There are public car parks at either end of Instow’s waterfront stretch, but parking can be difficult on busy summer days and weekend evenings. Check current signs and charges before leaving your car.

Is The Instow Arms quiet?

Not usually at peak times. It is often lively on sunny Friday to Sunday evenings. Choose somewhere else if you are looking for an intimate or quiet meal.

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