A gastropub nestled in a pretty UK village owned by Silicon Valley millionaires has been named best in the UK after an extensive restoration project. The Farmer’s Arms in Woolfardisworthy, North Devon, was the first property in the village bought by millionaires Michael and Xochi Birch in 2015, as part of their plans to use their earnings to a productive end. The San Francisco-based couple have since launched a renovation of the entire hamlet, also taking ownership of the local fish and chip shop, village shop and post office.
Their passion project, linked to Michael’s Devon-based ancestrial heritage, appears to have paid off – with the cosy rural pub that marked the beginning of their ambitious enterprise named best in the UK by England’s official tourist board. The Grade-II listed Michelin-starred spot was founded on an ethos of locally-sourced produce and farm-to-table service, with ingredients grown on a 90-acre estate also bought by Michael and Xochi around a decade ago.
The American tycoon made his fortune founding social media sites including Bebo, which he sold for £627 million ($850 million) in 2008.
His great-great grandfather built the Woolfardisworthy – also known as Woolsery – village shop decades before, and it remained in the family for over 50 years until it was sold in 1961.
The hefty investments into local businesses have helped to inject new life into the small countryside hamlet, which has a population of just over 1,000 – although locals had mixed feelings when a dilapidated village shop was given a posh makeover two years ago.
While some praised the changes, others said the money would have been “better [directed towards] investment at a local level”.
As well as scooping the top prize at Visit England’s hospitality excellence awards for 2025, The Farmer’s Arms has proved a hit with locals and holidaymakers alike, and has a 4.7-star TripAdvisor rating to prove it.
Its menu, which ranges in price from £10 to £36, includes Birch Farm Scotch Egg, Exmoor Roast Beef sandwiches and Nettle and Ramson Dumplings with egg, asparagus and madeira.
One recent visitor said they had enjoyed “the best Sunday lunch we have ever had” at the spot, describing each course as “immaculate … beautifully sourced, perfectly cooked food”.
Another added: “We were utterly charmed by the cosy, relaxed atmosphere, stylish decor, attentive and friendly staff who went above and beyond to provide an exceptional experience and outstanding, home-cooked food.”