Barbican Kitchen - Plymouth

Christopher and James Tanner have made quite a name for themselves at their eponymous restaurant in the city and shot to fame with regular TV appearances. Recently they added another string to their bow and moved into the showcase Plymouth Gin Distillery. The building has a long and famous history dating back to the fifteenth century: the Pilgrim Fathers spent their last night here before setting sail for the New World (a list of their names can still be seen in the Refectory).

It was a natural move for Plymouth's answer to the Roux Brothers, who have opted for an informal approach, and have dressed the Barbican Kitchen in funky contemporary colours with leather seating, exposed ventilation pipes and a dramatic serving hatch.

The menu draws on great local supplies - especially fish - for a repertoire of comfort food, re-invented classics and innovative flourishes. Here you will find 'old school' prawn cocktail and beer-battered fish and chips alongside plates of charcuterie, goats' cheese and walnut salad, and roast salmon with pesto crushed potatoes. Grilled Devon steaks are a star turn and you can pick your own sauce and 'starchy' side order.