Barbican Kitchen

Brothers Chris and James Tanner have long been mainstays on the Plymouth dining scene, and in 2026 they celebrate 20 years at Barbican Kitchen.

Situated inside an ancient building that’s also home to the Plymouth Gin Distillery (and supposedly 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 sampling the food. The original stone walls of the venue are complemented by contemporary styling; the result is a successful marriage of old and new.

A relaxed vibe sets expectations for a smart-casual menu and the team deliver in style. Dishes are built around locally sourced ingredients such as fish landed by Looe dayboats and meat from Philip Warren Butchers in Launceston. This fine fare is crafted into creations such as tuna tartare with compressed watermelon, miso mayonnaise, ponzu, puffed rice and nori.

Committed carnivores will revel in the likes of slow-cooked beef short rib with a bone marrow and horseradish crust, smoked cream potato, glazed onion, pork puffs and red wine sauce.

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.

Trencherman’s tip

Booking for lunch? Barbican Kitchen is open at lunchtime on Friday and Saturday. Dinner service runs from Tuesday to Saturday.