IT was a huge pleasure to spend an afternoon recently in Meeth, catching up with locals and enjoying the wonderful atmosphere at The Bull and Dragon, one of our constituency’s finest pubs.

I was there to offer my congratulations to Mike and Becky who have run the pub for five years and their dedicated team, following their fantastic win: the CAMRA best Cider Pub in the South West.

This is a tremendous accolade and one that is thoroughly deserved, for a pub interestingly reckoned to be the only one in the world carrying the name The Bull and Dragon.

This achievement highlights the quality and dedication of Central Devon’s hospitality sector, which continues to impress me with its resilience and entrepreneurship.

The Bull and Dragon is perfectly placed to welcome visitors, sitting near the beginning and end of the Tarka Trail and the entrance to the Meeth Nature Reserve.

During my visit, it was clear that the pub is far more than just a place to have a drink; it is truly a hub of local life, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere where regulars welcome new faces.

Their commitment to local produce is evident in everything they do. I was particularly impressed by the wide variety of ciders on offer, featuring local producers like Sandford Orchards and Sam’s.

They also champion local breweries such as Dartmoor and Clearwater, and I heard great things about their very own Best Bitter, ‘The Bull,’ a clear favourite among patrons.

The quality extends far beyond the bar. Becky, who manages the kitchen, is a talented cook, ensuring that all the homemade food is prepared using fresh, local ingredients.

Their signature dishes - from the amazing lasagne and steak and ale pie to the cheesy garlic mushrooms on toast - are testament to their focus on high standards and consistency.

What Mike and Becky provide is essential to life in a rural village like Meeth. Across Central Devon, whether it’s a village shop, a Post Office, or a local pub, these enterprises are the glue that holds our communities together, combating isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.

The spirit of local determination, which saw their customers rally to support them through the hard times of COVID-19, is inspiring and demonstrates exactly why we must cherish these places.

However, none of this work is easy. Every time I meet with local business owners in our constituency - from farms near Crediton to high street retailers in Okehampton to shops in Ashburton - I hear the same message: margins are being squeezed tighter than ever.

Rising costs across the board, exacerbated by policies like the increase in employer National Insurance, are making it increasingly difficult for businesses to invest and hire staff. This is the reality of the ‘Jobs Tax’ facing our economy, and it is hitting our vital rural businesses hard.

It is crucial that we all continue to stand up for our local enterprises. Supporting places like The Bull and Dragon is not just about enjoying a great pint of cider or a fantastic homemade meal; it is an investment in the social and economic fabric of our neighbourhoods.

These businesses are the backbone of our communities, and they need our support now more than ever.

I will continue to champion our local entrepreneurs and make sure their voices are heard in Westminster. The Bull and Dragon is well worth a visit, and I wish Mike and Becky continued success.

Mel Stride

MP for Central Devon