When Damien Hirst announced plans to open a swanky bar and restaurant-cum-art gallery in the down-at-heel Victorian resort of Ilfracombe, 10 minutes from his Devon home, the locals scoffed. Who would make the trek to the seaside town that time forgot? Well, loads of people, as it happened. Three years after it opened, the bar and its attached restaurant, 11 The Quay, boasts a clientele that includes Damon Albarn, David Bailey and Keith Allen - and Hirst is slowly having the same one-man regeneration effect on Ilfracombe that Rick Stein brought to Padstow. Standing on the quayside, it's easy to see the appeal. With its gleaming red-brick facade sandwiched between olde-worlde seaside shops, The White Hart is like a glistening pearl in a muddy Devon oyster. And when the sun dances on the clear blue waters of the harbour and reflects back through the bar's huge windows, the White Hart comes into its own. Enormous French doors open on to a south-facing terrace with fantastic views of bobbing fishing boats. Back through the doors, the small but perfectly formed menu of cocktails includes favourites such as the sea breezes and fruit-based margaritas. The White Hart also offers 20 wines by the glass as well as local beers and ciders. For a quick nibble before you repair upstairs to the Atlantic room for a slap- up dinner, crack open a bottle of Ruinart Brut Rose ([pound]80) and savour oysters caught by local fishermen from nearby Lundy Island.

Naomi

We dined in the Atlantic restaurant upstairs. The decor was tranquil and service excellent. The menu choices were limited, but the dishes served were excellent. The risotto was one of best we had tasted and belly of pork was also very good. Alas I cannot say the same for the Oysters and Lobster as the bout of food poisioning (or allergic reaction) I suffered 4 hours after eating the meal was unfortunate.

The Arsonist

Had lunch outside the front, watching the world go by. We tae a wonderfully fresh gilt head bream simply cooked with a champ mash and a few side dishes. Washed down with an excellent Italian white wine. Couldn? fault it. definitely the best in the town and worth a visit for the decor.

Bart

Had a lovely meal here, its a bit whacky inside but great for North Devon, a must visit restaurant. You can eat at good value downstairs or opt for the upstairs dining room and a choice of three menus. We had scallops and fillet steak both courses were brilliantly cooked. Good wine list also

Had a good mix of tapas in the downstairs bar, which is very stylish. Good tuna with well-spiced Pak Choi, accurately cooked squid with chilli, great olives, smoked aubergine with homemade grissini and croutons, falafel and fried broad beans. All this and a bottle of Prosecco for less than forty quid for two, bargain. Will be back to try the restaurant upstairs.

Lives up to its reputation as one of THE places to eat in north Devon - stunning building AND great tapas-style bar food AND sussed staff. Can? wait to go back and eat in the restaurant

Simmone Jones

Fine local seafood in a great building. The Owner Simon Brown was so friendly and the rest of the staff made us so welcombe. The art is not all to my taste but makes for an interesting meal. Highly recommend this place for a stunning meal or just a quick bite and a beer in the bar overlooking the harbour. Take a look at teh pics on there website www.11thequay.co.uk

ColinW

The A la carte menu may be expensive compared to other local restaurants, but the quality of the food, ambiance and service is head and shoulders above most of the competition. To save money, we went for the early-bird fixed price menu, which offers no choice (although they varied the main course for a vegetarian) but was great value for money. A smooth and creamy parsnip soup, a robust and hearty Daube of Beef (a towering and colourful Mediterranean tart for the veggie) and 'Eton Mess' to finish. Two glasses of wine, water and tip and it was still under £50 for two. Great view from the Atlantic room, some fabulous artwork on the walls and some nice design touches in the decor came for free. Thoroughly recommended

11 The Quay

Damien Hurst? new restaurant in Ilfracombe is a wonderful place to visit; we ate in the Atlantic room upstairs and had a wonderful meal. Can? wait to go again

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