Smart courtyard bistro

The glass-fronted bistro of Augustus Taunton is hidden within an intimate courtyard away from the hubbub of the town centre, so could easily be missed were it not for its stellar reputation.

Augustus enjoys a loyal following of customers who frequent it for its high-calibre cooking in unpretentious surroundings. It’s even been described by Observer critic Jay Rayner as ‘a classy bistro that will look after you and make the world feel just that little bit better’.

For over a decade, Augustus Taunton owners Richard Guest and Cedric Chirossel have proved that the hallmarks of a consistently good restaurant are first-rate front-of-house service and quality ingredients.

Richard’s cooking style leans towards classic French cuisine while also celebrating seasonal British produce. Popular dishes include Devon smoked eel and scrambled egg with curried oil and smoked herring caviar; homemade rabbit faggots with summer greens, gratin potato and onion gravy; and slow-roasted duck with pommes anna, beetroots, carrots and courgettes.

Richard and Cedric are dedicated supporters of independent local businesses so most of the ingredients are sourced nearby, with fresh fruit and veg from greengrocer Granny Smiths and Pitney Farm, salads from Capland Acre, Brixham-caught fish from Phil Bowditch and meat from Riverside Butchers.