The accolade is a fitting legacy to one of Britain’s most influential culinary figures
16:00, 24 Jan 2026Updated 16:24, 24 Jan 2026
The Maltsters Arms in South Devon(Image: Maltsters Arms)
One of Devon’s most picturesque riverside pubs – once owned by a cooking legend – is celebrating being awarded a top food award for excellence. The Maltsters Arms at Tuckenhay in the South Hams has an iconic appeal to food lovers as the place where flamboyant chef Keith Floyd once held court.
It was re-opened last year by new owners who wanted to bring back the glory years of the late culinary great. Their efforts have been rewarded with the award of a AA Rosette for food and accommodation.
An inspector lauded the quality of the food and said there were high hopes for further awards down the line. Owners Matt Clark and Erin Allgrove say the first 12 months couldn’t have gone better with The Maltsters firmly establishing itself as a prime pub dining experience.
The Maltsters Arms in South Devon(Image: Maltsters Arms)
Matt said: “This is a hugely proud moment for my partner Erin and me – to receive recognition for both our kitchen and our bedrooms reflects the dedication of our entire team. We are especially honoured to do so in a place so closely associated with Keith Floyd, whose philosophy of simple, generous food and warm hospitality continues to inspire what we do every day.”
The AA Rosette covers culinary excellence for its food. The pub also garnered four AA Rosettes for its bedrooms.
Maltsters Arms award for food excellence(Image: Maltsters Arms)
Nestled on the banks of the River Dart, The Maltsters Arms boasts sumptuous views of the water. It was owned by the charismatic Floyd in the 1980s and 90s. His irreverent spirit and passion for honest cooking, and love of good food and wine remain woven into the fabric of the pub, says the owners.
The award is a fitting legacy to one of Britain’s most influential culinary figures. DevonLive recently visited.
The AA Rosette for food recognises cooking that demonstrates strong technical skill, well-judged flavours, and quality ingredients, while the four AA Rosettes for bedrooms place The Maltsters Arms among the highest-rated small inns in the country for accommodation, celebrating comfort, character, cleanliness, and attention to detail.
The Maltsters Arms has been awarded an AA Rosette(Image: Maltsters Arms)
Comments from the visiting AA inspector included: “A pleasure to visit The Maltsters Arms, such an iconic pub with many a story to tell. The setting is beguiling, tucked away from prying eyes, it’s a very easy place in which to relax and unwind. Overall, a positive visit, underpinned by a team with a real sense of commitment and pride.
“Output from the kitchen impressed, dishes underpinned by quality produce and skilled execution, an Award of One Rosette is well deserved with clear potential for advancement. Public areas are very inviting, the main bar being a very engaging and convivial environment. Future progress will be monitored with interest.”
Chef Keith Floyd at The Maltsters Arms, Tuckenhay April 1992(Image: Mirrorpix)
The kitchen team at the Maltsters Arms is led by head chef Dan Morris, a former head chef at The Elephant in Torquay.
He said: “My aim is simple – to give guests a unique and memorable dining experience, drawing on modern culinary techniques and of course delivering excellent taste and flavours. I use the best of Devon’s larder, from the land and the sea and our menu changes almost every day to reflect this.”
The menu is rooted in seasonal Devon produce and bedrooms that blend contemporary comfort with historic charm. The Maltsters Arms attracts drinkers, diners, walkers, and overnight guests.
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