The Spookiest Pub in North Devon?

From the outside, the Thatched Inn in Abbotsham North Devon, looks like any other thatched country pub. Watching patrons entering the premises however,  is a little like watching people entering a ghost house.  First they do a double take at the coffin propped beside the door, then peering inside they stop and wonder whether its actually a pub, before finally taking tentative steps over the threshold, sqealing and clutching at each other as the full effects of the macabre interior take effect.

Once a year, the Thatched Inn dresses up for Halloween, with every square inch of every room adorned with creepy special effects and ghostly decorations.  Sitting at the bar you would not be surprised if Dracula walked in and sat beside you, so thorough is the interior makeover.

Dining is another experience all together, with monster effects hanging from the ceiling and walls, creepy lights and the occasional moan or wail from one of the full size statues lining the walls and hiding in corners.

Owned by Les Heard, the Thatched Inn at Abbotsham has been dressing up for Halloween for years.  Starting at the beginning of October, it takes manager Mark Gordon as his team around two weeks to complete the transformation. 

The culmination of festivities is a fund raising fancy dress party held the Saturday before Halloween. So if you fancy a truly spooky experience, head down to the Thatched Inn at Abbotsham before the month is out.