Overview
A day to remember — and to savour.
Spend a half day together in the forge at Old Pound Smithy, where sparks fly and steel takes shape under your hammer. Guided by our resident blacksmiths, you’ll craft your own hand-forged keepsakes before heading to The Farmers Arms, an award-winning local pub, for a lavish set-menu meal showcasing the finest North Devon produce.
Perfect as a unique gift experience or a memorable treat for two, Forge and Feast combines the heat of the forge with the warmth of great food, local craft, and good company.Gift cards available now — an experience that’s both hands-on and heart-felt.
The offer is available for Moring forging sessions followed by lunch at the Farmers Arms, or the afternoon session following by dinner at the Farmers Arms.
The Forge
Upon arrival, you’ll be met by the instructing smith who’ll give you a tour of the forge, provide tea, and coffee, and give the safety brief.
You Twisted Fire Starter
It's now time to man the bellows and start the fires. You’ll be taught how to properly maintain and control the raging blaze, enabling you to heat and forge the steel. You’ll gain an understanding of how the bellows function, the teamwork required to keep the forges lit, and how the fire functions as well as the history of blacksmithing and its impact on the world.
Let the Hammer Fall
We will usually start with a bottle opener, one of the most universally useful items there is… because it opens bottles! During this challenge, you’ll be taught the basic practices and techniques of forging, equipping you with the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to forge almost anything. Having completed your very own bottle opener and applying the beeswax finish, you’ll move on to the next small project, applying the skills you have already learnt.
Flash! Ahhhhhh!
The final job of the day, when you’re dirty, sweaty, and tired, is to jump in-front of the camera and show off your hard work to the world! Because if you didn’t catch it on camera, it didn’t really happen. However, unlike most experiences, you get to leave with your masterpieces to treasure forever.
Food Time!
After an exhilarating few hours at the forge — sparks flying, hammers ringing, and steel taking shape — guests will hang up their aprons, wash away the soot, and emerge with proud smiles and a handmade piece to treasure. Once refreshed, it’s off to The Farmers Arms, where a lavish set-menu feast awaits. Over fine food and a glass or two, you’ll share stories of glowing metal, steady hands, and newfound skills — the perfect way to wind down, relive the day’s triumphs, and toast to a truly memorable experience.
Sample Set Menu at The Farmers Arms
Naturally Fermented Bread and Cultured Butter
Brawn Terrine - brassicas, hazelnut, apricot
Halibut - scallop, whey, horn of plenty
Wild Fallow - winter squash, sloe, elderberry
Sea Buckthorn - rose geranium, rocket, pink peppercorn
Caramel Tart - crab apple, vanilla, cider brandy
After enjoying all of that, it's time to roll home and go to bed!
GUIDELINES
Working at the anvil is physically demanding and comes with some risks; blisters and burns being foremost among them. Please seek advice from your doctor before booking if you are unsure. To minimise the risk of injury please dress accordingly, long sleeves are advised, long trousers and work boots are a must. Please try to avoid synthetic clothing, we recommend cotton-based materials like denim. Open-toed footwear is not allowed in the forge. Leather, safety, work, or hiking boots are strongly advised. And please ensure you can tie long hair back from your face. The forge can be cold in winter despite the fires, therefore please check the weather before setting off and bring warm clothing if necessary.
Inclusions
What's Included
🥤 Drink - Tea, coffee and water
🧰 Equipment - All forging equipment and PPE is provided, bar footwear. Please ensue you are wearing sturdy boots.
What you'll need
🧤 Warm Clothing - The forge can get cold, bring layers to stay warm when away from the fires.
🍴 Food - Lunch and Snacks
🥤 Drink - Water bottle or any other beverage of choice.