Reviews
Muddiford Inn, EX31
Lovely country pub 
Andrea H. says:
If you're looking for a really good meal and want to get away from the throng at Woolacombe, then head to the Muddiford Inn, a ten minute drive away.
Food is typical pub fare and on Sundays they have an excellent choice of roasts for the meat eaters and a good choice for veggies too: the mushroom stroganoff gets my vote. The roast potatoes are to die for!
However what really does it for me is the huge, lovely garden. In summer it is by far the best place to have a g&t. And it has a wooden playhouse to keep the children occupied. Perfect.
The Quay Restaurant, EX34
Art on the walls and plates 
Andrea H. says:
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!
Studio 6, SE1
Bizarre lack of customer service 
Andrea H. says:
This bar would be a lovely place to have drinks and dinner: outside seating, stones throw to the river and part of the group of shops and restaurants in Gabriel's Wharf.
But they have a bunch of inflexible and bonkers rules for customers that make it difficult to enjoy the experience. These include not being able to pop into the bar if you're dining and pay for a round of drinks separately from your meal (you have to use the waiter), not being able to have your drink in a glass glass unless you are seated eating and not allowing patrons of the bar to put their name down for a table to eat (you have to queue, or have one of your mates queue for a table whilst the rest of you drink).
I did eat there with some friends: the food is OK (Mediterranean). Unfortunately our waitress banged a plate into one of my friends, smacking his forehead. She never apologised.
On top of that the loos are a disgrace.
Blue Groove, EX33
Cold toast! 
Andrea H. says:
This cafe is in a prime location in Croyde, has a sun-trap of a terrace at back and at the front and is light and airy inside (although the psychedelic green mural on the wall can only be the creative output of someone smoking grey pharmaceuticals).
So in essence it should be fantastic. And it was. Last year.
I ate there again recently and the service was slow, the waiter forgetful and the toast was cold. Cold, chewy toast.
Croyde is a small place, really popular with the surf crowd and has a bit of a captive audience. Unfortunately Blue Groove is neglecting it.
Bakko, N10
Kurdish delight
Andrea H. says:
This family owned and run Turkish spot is one of my favourites in Muswell Hill. Unlike many Turkish restaurants the food is tasty, light and not swimming in oil. The menu items are in Kurdish (with English descriptions) but they make you order in Kurdish which is alway a laugh after a drink or two! Dishes include a wide variety of hot and cold meze and there is masses of choice for veggies.
In summer they open the massive floor to ceiling windows at the front, making it a lovely cool place to dine and wine. On the subject of wine, try the house red - very reasonable by the glass, carafe or bottle.
