Supper with spirit

Brothers Chris and James Tanner celebrate 25 years of cooking in Plymouth this year – 17 of which have been spent at Barbican Kitchen.

Situated inside a historic building that’s also home to the Plymouth Gin Distillery (and where the Pilgrim Fathers spent their last night before setting sail on the Mayflower), the restaurant’s location makes for an inspiring experience even before you’ve sampled the food. The ancient stone of the venue is complemented by contemporary styling; the result is a successful marriage of old and new.

A relaxed vibe sets up expectations for a smart casual menu, and the team deliver in style. Dishes are built around locally sourced ingredients such as fish landed by Loose dayboats and meat from Philip Warren Butchers in Launceston. This fine fare is crafted into creations such as Brixham crab salad with grapefruit and avocado, and seared turbot with asparagus, artichokes, pea puree and pancetta. Puds include a delice of chocolate with hazelnut diplomat and milk sorbet.

Committed carnivores will revel in the fruits of Barbican Kitchen’s charcoal grill, where West Country moorland beef, dry‑aged for succulence, is seared over hot coals for flavour. Just choose a sauce and a starch, such as skinny fries or buttery mash, to accompany.

Plant‑based visitors will be pleased by the superb selection of veg‑centric dishes, all crafted using hyper‑fresh ingredients from the surrounding Devon countryside.