La Gendarmerie

Very, very nice. You get the feeling you’re in for a good dining experience as you walk in. You are greeted by a lovely smile, and a choice of table as you enter. The minimalist surroundings, and the gentle tones of Eva Cassidy are perfect as you sip your red wine. The food was lovely, although I would have preferred a little more — and less presentation — which was the only thing that let this lovely place down. The setting is lovely and relaxed, with two or three real effect coal fires adding to the experience. The two ‘staff’ that I saw, appear to be a husband an wife set up to me. The place was immaculate, and I think this was down to her, and I loved how she partially shut the door to the open plan kitchen on a regular basis — this obviously being the ‘minging’ bit of her idealogy — but it looked clean as a whistle to me. I also loved overhearing him ask her ‘Did they enjoy it’? To me, this looks like the recipe for success — just put a bit more on the plate and you’d have easily got 5 stars :)

Excellent in all departments. A warm welcome, attentive but not over-​weaning service, well chosen dishes cooked to a very high standard, plenty of space and even a great choice in background music. The heating could have been turned up a notch the night we were there, though. I had the bream, which was excellent, and I have to concur with the previous reviewer about the apple tart. Best of the Ilfracombe restaurants we’ve tried so far, highly recommended.

Housed in Ilfracombe’s old Police station (hence the name) this is stylish modern brasserie serving delicious food and ran by husband and wife Paul and Sarah.
I ate the local lobster and chips followed by the best apple tart I have ever eaten and loved the simple décor and friendly service.
I have to say that although Damian Hurst’s 11 The Quay is touted as ‘the place’ to eat in Ilfracombe I thought this was far better.