Our Food

James uses quality local produce wherever possible and is always interested to hear from local growers and suppliers.

He uses fresh vegetables supplied straight from the land by Hallwood Farm who also supply him with Jersey cross Aberdeen Angus beef.  He buys fruit and vegetables from local gardens too; and he uses berries grown on allotments right in the centre of Barnstaple.  All his his meat is sourced locally, much of it being supplied by Robert Withecombe Butchers in Joy Street.  Free range chicken and duck is supplied by nearby Lane End Farm while game comes from Smythacott Farm at Frithelstock.  Fish is supplied by S&J Fisheries in Ivybridge and S&P Fish in nearby Butchers Row.  Live lobster and crab is supplied direct from the boat by Walrus Fisheries from the waters between North Devon and Lundy.  And The West Country Cheese Company, also located in Barnstaple's Butchers Row, supplies all James’s cheeses.

James and his team make everything on the premises including pasta, bread and ice creams and sorbets.

Menus change in character with the seasons and individual dishes are changed more frequently to provide variety for regular diners and to reflect the day-to-day availability of fresh local produce. 

We do not offer a childrens’ menu but we are happy to serve smaller portions and selections from our main menus.  As our food is all prepared on the premises from fresh local produce we can advise with confidence regarding suitability of dishes for specific allergies.  We are coeliac friendly in that almost all of our dishes are gluten free and we always have available a choice of vegetarian dishes.

Lunches are relaxed, informal and inexpensive with a set price two or three course lunch menu.   Dinner represents an authentic fine dining experience whether you select from the à la carte menu or indulge in James’s six course tasting menu, served with wines selected to match individual dishes.  During mid week (Tuesday to Thursday) we offer a set price three course menu in place of our à la carte menu. 

For parties of ten or more, in order to assist us to serve all of the party together, we ask diners to pre select their choice of dishes from our set price party menu 48 hours in advance of the dinner date.

In addition we offer special seasonal occasions menus for the Christmas period, Chrismas Day, New Year's Eve, other special dates throughout the year for and regular wine tasting dinners.

If after viewing our website you have any questions or special requests please do not hesitate to contact us.  You may be sure that we will do everything possible to try to meet your needs; be that for a child’s dish; to respect some special dietary need; for a special occasion e.g. making a birthday cake; or about access and facilities at the Restaurant. 

"Our aim is, quite simply to make your visit special"

All our prices are inclusive of VAT.  There is no service charge but should you wish to reward good service please be assured that all such payments are distributed to staff in full and paid to them over and above their agreed salaries.

Please note that for tables of eight or more we ask for a deposit of £12 per head at time of booking.  This deposit is refundable only if notification of cancellation is received at least 48 hours in advance of the reservation date and time.