Thomas Carr 1873, Ilfracombe, Devon
Thomas Carr 1873 only opened in September 2020 so for obvious reasons, it hasn't really had much chance to get off the ground properly yet. Those who have dined here rate it very highly, which comes as no surprise because the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in January 2021.
Just a stones throw from the historic harbour, Ilfracombe's former Victorian police station has been put to better use by local chap Thomas Carr who was born and raised in the town and in nearby Woolacombe. He's got a lot of very impressive experience behind him, including a stint with Restaurant Nathan Outlaw and Michael Caines MBE's The Coach House.
The ambience at Thomas Carr 1873 is intimate and relaxed; children are encouraged at lunchimes rather than in the evenings and bear in mind that there's no children's menu - younger diners must eat the same as their parents, although dishes can be simplified if absolutely necessary.
The food. It's a 6 Course Taster Menu, one for meat eaters, one for vegetarians. For those who don't mind animal flesh or fish, there's Beetroot Cured Salmon with pickled fennel and mackerel pate, Hand dived scallop with warm tartar and cucumber dressing, Sea bream with mushroom, smoked bacon cream and peas, Hake with prawn, lemongrass bisque, orange and basil, and Roast Devon duck breast with crispy duck leg, broccoli, carrot and hoisin. Round this off with a Treat from the Kitchen - Chocolate 'Fruit & Nut ' bar with white chocolate ice cream and textures (whatever they are) and that's you satiated, at a cost of £95 per head.
Note that 48 hours notice is needed for the vegetarian menu.
Open: Thurs-Sat 6.00pm-11.00pm
T: 01271 867831 All information correct at the time of writing