About Us

For the last 9 years 'The Smugglers Inn' has prided itself in both its famous Farmers Feast Carvery and extensive a'la carté menu but most importantly, the high level of friendly customer service that goes with it.

'Quality Cuisine In A Relaxed Atmosphere'

History

The rugged coastline of Devon has long been associated with smuggling. The high cliffs, secret coves and hidden villages made it dangerous for land-based revenue services to patrol effectively.

During the 18th & 19th centuries most of the governments revenue came from customs duties and taxes on overseas trade as income tax hadn't yet been invented.

In addition during most of this time England was at war either with France or her American colonies which pushed duties to punitive rates being 125% on some items such as tea. During the Napoleonic wars, tobacco bought for £10 in the Netherlands port of Flushing would be worth £100 here!

The goods most commonly smuggled into England were luxuries and included tea, tobacco, spirits, fine fabrics and fashionable clothes.