Open daily from 4pm (12pm weekends)
Quiet fireside tables

Wakes and funeral receptions in Budleigh Salterton

A private room in a warm village pub where family and friends can gather, share stories and raise a glass. We look after everything, so you don’t have to.

With care

A calm, welcoming place to remember someone

When you’re arranging a funeral, the last thing you need is complicated planning. One phone call to us and we’ll take care of the room, the food and the drinks, and make sure everything is ready when you arrive.

Our function room is private, so your family and friends can talk, laugh and remember together without interruption. For many people from Knowle and Budleigh Salterton, the Dog & Donkey was their local, and a farewell here feels right.

We’re also happy to host a celebration of life, with music and stories, if that suits the person you’re remembering better.

We can help with

  • Holding the room at short notice
  • A spread of lighter bites, or a sit-down meal
  • Tables for photos, an order of service or a memory book
  • A tab or a set drinks budget
  • Accessible rooms and on-site parking for older guests
  • Liaising with your funeral director on timings
Quiet fireside tables
At a glance
GuestsUp to 100
NoticeShort notice welcome
FoodLight bites or a sit-down meal
ParkingOn site
AccessAccessible rooms

Call us on 01395 904595. We’ll take it from there.

From a family who held a wake here

Handled with care

A family who held a wake with us in October 2024 wrote on Tripadvisor about the attention to detail, the compassion of the team and the fair price of the food.

Planning

How it works

  1. Send an enquiry

    Tell us the occasion, the date and roughly how many guests.

  2. Come and see the room

    Pop in for a look and a chat about layout, music and decorations.

  3. Choose your food

    Pick from our menu or let us suggest a spread that suits your guests and budget.

  4. Enjoy the day

    We set up, serve and clear away, so you can spend time with your guests.

The room

Everything you need under one roof

Up to 100 guests

Flexible layouts for seated meals, buffets and parties with a dance floor.

Food from our kitchen

Pub classics, light bites, pizzas, Sunday roasts or a menu built around you.

Pool & darts

The room has its own pool table and dartboards to keep guests entertained.

Decorate your way

Bring balloons, banners and photos. Tell us in advance and we’ll help set up.

On-site parking

Easy for older relatives and guests travelling from further afield.

Accessible

The pub and function room are accessible. Let us know any needs in advance.

Dogs welcome

Our pet-friendly policy extends to the function room.

Beer garden

Summer parties can spill out onto the lawn and picnic benches.

FAQs

Questions people ask

How soon can we book a wake?

Funerals are often arranged within a week or two, so we’re used to short notice. Call us as soon as you have a date and we’ll hold the room for you.

What food do you serve at a wake?

Most families choose a spread of lighter bites so guests can mingle, or a simple sit-down meal for a smaller gathering. We’ll suggest options to suit your numbers and budget.

Can we display photos or play music?

Yes. Bring photos, an order of service, a memory book or a playlist. Ask us about the screen if you’d like to show a slideshow.

Is it suitable for elderly guests?

Yes. The pub and function room are accessible and there’s parking on site, so it’s easy for older relatives to get in and settle.

Can you liaise with our funeral director?

Of course. Give us their details and we’ll confirm timings with them so the room is ready when you arrive.

Can we hold a celebration of life party instead?

Yes. Some families prefer a livelier send-off with music. We’ve hosted both and we’ll follow your lead.

Got a date in mind?

Tell us the occasion, the date and roughly how many guests. We’ll come back to you with availability and ideas, usually within a day.