"It will be a massive wrench to leave": Mark and Sarah Dodson put The Mason Arms up for sale

The joint owners of the Exmoor-based venue announced their retirement on social media, saying: “After a lot of thought, we have decided to retire this year, and therefore have put the Masons Arms on the market. It will be a massive wrench to leave and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the past 18 years - we hope that you will continue to do so until the Masons Arms has found a new owner.”

The couple took over the pub in 2005, with it being awarded a Michelin star the following year.

The pub has also been a mainstay of the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list. It re-entered the list in 2021 at number 44 and has gradually moved up the rankings. It is currently ranked at number 24 on the list and will appear in the Top 50 list again this year when the list is revealed later this month.

The Mason Arms is a thatched 13th century Inn and award-winning restaurant on the edge of Exmoor that serves exceptional local cuisine. It has held a Michelin star for the 16th consecutive year, serving a seasonal and ever-changing, lunch and Sunday lunch menus alongside an à la carte offer that typically includes fresh fish and locally sourced meat.

Responding to the news, chef Michael Caines said: “Mark and Sarah, you deserve the break. Outstanding servants to our trade, dedicated and committed to creating something special. We wish you all the best in your retirement.”

Fellow southwest-based chef Simon Hulstone said: “Time to see the world without a worry Mark and Sarah. You have been brilliant and deserve everything you have worked for. Looking forward to seeing your holiday posts.”