Malmsmead is a hamlet on Exmoor. There is The Buttery tea room down beside the river just beyond the packhorse bridge which is open from April to October. For meals or a pint beyond Malmsmead, there are two choices within 5-10 minutes in the car; The Staghunters Inn in Brendon and The Rockford Inn.
Malmsmead is approximately 7 miles from both Lynton and Porlock. The village of Porlock has three pubs, two grocery shops, a traditional local butcher, Post Office, chemist, cash machine, hardware shop, visitor centre and a range of independent restaurants, shops and tea rooms. Lynton is a small town in the opposite direction and boasts similar amenities, both well worth a visit. Lynton and Lynmouth also has a good selection of cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Minehead is approximately 12 miles from the cottage (beyond Porlock). Here you will find larger supermarkets and petrol stations, cash machines, plus a range of other shops, eateries and takeaways throughout the town.