The busiest seafood restaurant.
25 Jun 08, 05:11
Above expectations
Rave review for a seafood restaurant. It's the busiest in town, that's what I noticed on my travels around Ilfracombe. No jazz or classical music as of yet I'm afraid resonating around the walls of 11 The Quay. Henceforth four stars.
Art on the walls and plates
18 May 08, 22:10
Beyond expectations
Owned by Damien Hirst, this restaurant and bar is worth a visit if you're in Ilfracombe. It's a showcase for some of his work as well as an amazing restaurant.
During the day sit in the bar and have a drink (excellent hot chocolate) and when you're not watching the boats in the harbour you can stare at the walls as they have pieces of art featuring butterflies: even the wallpaper has butterflies arranged like a children's kaleidoscope.
But come back in the evening for dinner. Booking is a must. We sat Harbourside (you can also book the Atlantic room, but sadly fully booked when we were there) which has some of the decoration from the now defunct Pharmacy bar. Food is stunning and well worth it for a special occasion.
Thumbs up for the Scallop & Chorizo with mash, the sardine tartlet or the fish cake and mango salsa to start. Followed by the lemon sole or the steak. And do not leave without dessert! I went to heaven with the Passionfruit souffle and raspberry coulis. Lots of local seafood too. And there's an excellent UK wine on the menu, from Devon, for those that are conscious of the food miles.
One last thing: the art in the loos. Not that I'm obsessed with toilets, but the loos have original drawings by wildlife illustrator Jonathan Kingdom hanging in them. V stylish!
Groups: capitalradio
