Andrea's reviews
Review of The Quay Restaurant
18 May 08, 22:10
Art on the walls and plates 
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!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Livebait
22 Apr 08, 19:26
Lovebait! 
If you're a fan of fish then Livebait is a good option. The restaurant interior is like a posh old-fashioned fishmongers with tiled walls and tables and booths. There's a bar area at the front of the restaurant, great for a pre-dinner tipple.
It has a wide menu with classics such as fish pie and fish and chips but also caters to the more exotic with thai fish curry and spicy sea bass. And of course oysters. Main courses are reasonable (starting at £13) and although a bit pricey, the starters are well worth it too - the whitebait or the smoked salmon / poached egg / potato rosti stack I can recommend (the latter if you're particularly hungry). They also do a well-priced set menu (useful for those going to the theatre nearby) and seasonal daily specials.
Two criticisms: the loos - make sure you you plan your trip in advance as they are tucked under the main dining area, which means a long walk back through the bar. The other is the wine list: it is extensive but I think it should also carry more full-bodied whites such as a Riesling and a Gewurztraminer to pair with the smoked fish and spicier dishes.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.