IN the heart of Devon is a great cosy venue for live music, theatre and events, serving good local food, beers and wines.

Lapford Mill, which is open from Thursday to Sunday, is a Victorian watermill and holiday cottage with self catering accommodation.

Alistair Hall preparing steam engine Lyn for a trip at Lapford Mill. AQ 8066
Alistair Hall preparing steam engine Lyn for a trip at Lapford Mill. AQ 8066 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The watermill is open to visitors and serving refreshments, good coffee, cream teas and licensed sales when open.

It has recently been attracting a lot of interest across social media after the owner Alex Gater welcomed Alistair Hall and his scale model steam engine Lyn, which has proved to be an incredible attraction.

The pair have been holding steam up Saturdays throughout August and there is still one left, on Saturday, August 30, to which everyone is invited.

The steam train Lyn with passengers at Lapford Mill. AQ 8123
The steam train Lyn with passengers at Lapford Mill. AQ 8123 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Alex explained: “Alistair will be firing Lyn's boiler at 11am on Saturday, August 30 and ready to roll from midday.

“Visitors will be able to take a short ride on one of the carriages pulled by Lyn.”

He added that Lapford Mill will be serving cooked breakfasts and a full bar will be available!

Alex added that they plan to extend the railway line in September further alongside the existing Tarka Line, and it certainly is wonderful when trains pass on the line either from Exeter to Barnstaple or vice versa.

Visitors are invited to make a donation towards costs for a ride.

Alex Gater, proprietor, in front of Lapford Mill. AQ 8113
Alex Gater, proprietor, in front of Lapford Mill. AQ 8113 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Lapford Mill has some other forthcoming events including a regular Open Mic evening every Thursday and Karaoke every other Friday.

On Friday, September 5, from 7pm, Stompin’ Dave performs a broad spectrum of vintage style music including blues, bluegrass, classical, country, folk, jazz, rock n roll, and old time.

He is equally capable of providing a whole evening of entertainment in one genre, or mixing it up.

Stompin’ Dave was nominated for a UK Blues Award 2024, (UK Acoustic Blues Act Of The Year category.)

Dave has consistently given over one hundred performances per year across the UK and beyond, including many major festivals.

A view of the inside of Lapford Mill. AQ 8115
A view of the inside of Lapford Mill. AQ 8115 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

On Saturday, October 11, from 7.30pm, Sundog Slide will play Country Friend Acoustic Rock.

Sundog Slide are a rhythmically dynamic guitar and percussion duo who merge a country-tinged acoustic-rock style in an innovative and unique fashion.

With stomping percussion, dynamic guitar, vocal harmonies and an audience inclusive on-stage attitude, Sundog Slide produce a memorable and original sound greater than the sum of their parts.

A recent review said: “We love visiting the mill. Tasty fresh food, devon ales, a beautiful location and a fantastic host, Alex is always friendly and welcoming. We enjoy every visit, from open air theatre in the summer to log fires in the winter and so much more! We will miss visiting now we are moving.”

Comfy seating areas in Lapford Mill. AQ 8122
Comfy seating areas in Lapford Mill. AQ 8122 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Lapford Mill (EX17 6PU) is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday but open from 6.30pm to 11.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays and from 10am to 11.30pm on Saturdays and to 5pm Sundays with free, level onsite parking and accessible lavatory available.

Check the Website: https://www.lapfordmill.uk/ or Facebook page for opening times and special events etc. or telephone 07815 795 918.