Ilfracombe, a popular seaside resort for tourists on the North Devon coast, now has another string to its bow in the shape of Michelin-starred restaurant The Olive Room. Since opening the restaurant in 2014, chef Thomas Carr has received numerous accolades for his creative cuisine having previously climbed the culinary ladder alongside renowned chefs such as Nathan Outlaw and Michael Caines MBE. Set in a Georgian Grade II listed building just a a short walk from the harbour, the restaurant is an intimate affair with a simple décor featuring local artwork on the walls.

Thomas makes the most of the local larder with seasonal produce used to telling effect and ultra-fresh fish sourced from the nearby day boats. Starters bring onboard such delights as roast scallop, and confit leg served with bacon and onion toast and chutney. To follow enjoy sea bream, prawn, mussels, saffron shellfish sauce and red pepper or from the land there's Black Angus Devon ribeye, oxtail fritter, potato terrine, wild mushrooms and red wine shallots. Close the show with a frozen passion fruit parfait, doughnuts, meringue and frozen yoghurt or a selection of West Country cheeses with fruit cake, biscuits and chutney. To accompany the food there's a carefully compiled wine list that changes with the seasons offering good value.

There's also guest rooms available should you wish to extend your stay and explore the beautiful surrounding area further.

Thomas Carr at The Olive Room is also featured in: Michelin Guide, AA Guide

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Modern British

Thomas Carr and John Cairns

Dinner: 6.30 - 9.00pm Tue-Sat

Visa, Master Card

• Disabled access
• 18 covers

Accomodation is available, (5 rooms)