The Artillery Tower Restaurant sits in a 15th century tower overlooking the sea.
Lovely evening and fantastic waiter Pablo Overall an excellent choice for an evening of fine dining but it could be superb… There were only 4 mains on the menu but we were told that two of them were not available which is pretty poor from such a limited choice. They were beef and fish which I would have thought were staples of any restaurant. However the lamb and the duck were both superb and faultless as was the chocolate desert with passion fruit sorbet. Both were probably the best I have ever had. Improvements. There should always be a fish option. The cutlery looked very ordinary and basic. I’m not expecting sterling silver but they could certainly be improved. It would be nice to have linen tablecloths on the table. I know that neither of these add to the food but it helps “up the overall quality” and feel of a place. However neither of these would prevent me returning again as soon as possible. 
Well, worth a visit Went for a family meal 29th June Food was excellent and well presented Service was brilliant. Warm and welcoming. The chef came out and had a conversation with us. Nothing was too much trouble. Would highly recommend 
Do not leave a visit to Plymouth without dining at this incredible restaurant just a stone's throw away from Royal William Yard. Chef Patron Peter and his wife Debbie make sure you have an exceptional dining experience. Michelin quality food all freshly cooked in situ within an atmospheric Tudor time tower, with a cosy log fire and amazing views. Lovely menu with mouth watering choices. Good wine list. Relaxed and smooth service. A complete joy! Thank you Peter and Debbie. The 200+ journey to enjoy dinner at Artillery Tower again was more than worth it! See you again. Rosie & Michael. 
An excellent night celebrating our birthday We rediscovered our love of this amazing place with its stunning food and engaging staff. Since our return to Plymouth we had to experience The Artillery Tower again for a birthday treat. A simply lovely place with warm and knowledgable people serving fresh and beautifully cooked food. A gorgeous log fire embraced us in a clean and unique space that added to our evening along with good conversation and service. Thank you both so much for making our special day even more memorable. 
An excellent night celebrating our birthday We rediscovered our love of this amazing place with its stunning food and engaging staff. Since our return to Plymouth we had to experience The Artillery Tower again for a birthday treat. A simply lovely place with warm and knowledgable people serving fresh and beautifully cooked food. A gorgeous log fire embraced us in a clean and unique space that added to our evening along with good conversation and service. Thank you both so much for making our special day even more memorable. 
Birthday occasion A fantastic environment to eat fantastic food. Certainly worth a visit. The service was excellent and very friendly 
A top class dining experience This compact restaurant has a really wonderful setting on the meeting of Plymouth Sound and the River Tamar and an easy stroll to the historic King William dockyard. The restaurant is in an ancient building; on the night we went it was notable to be at full capacity. Run by an excellent chef and his wife. The food and service were top class. 
Chef’s kiss…speechless! The food exceptional, the wine phenomenal, the service incredible!! The view indescribable, our evening? Unbeatable!!!! 
Chef’s kiss…speechless! The food exceptional, the wine phenomenal, the service incredible!! The view indescribable, our evening? Unbeatable!!!!
Unique and excellent food This tiny restaurant was a treat. The three course dining menu offered good meat/fish choices accompanied by a range of wines, many South African (which I like!). Some slight confusions over dietary allergies, but no harm done. It’s been hot recently and the restaurant was very hot and would have benefitted from opening the tower windows. The service was well executed and food delicious. Recommended.
Lovely evening and fantastic waiter Pablo Overall an excellent choice for an evening of fine dining but it could be superb… There were only 4 mains on the menu but we were told that two of them were not available which is pretty poor from such a limited choice. They were beef and fish which I would have thought were staples of any restaurant. However the lamb and the duck were both superb and faultless as was the chocolate desert with passion fruit sorbet. Both were probably the best I have ever had. Improvements. There should always be a fish option. The cutlery looked very ordinary and basic. I’m not expecting sterling silver but they could certainly be improved. It would be nice to have linen tablecloths on the table. I know that neither of these add to the food but it helps “up the overall quality” and feel of a place. However neither of these would prevent me returning again as soon as possible.
Well, worth a visit Went for a family meal 29th June Food was excellent and well presented Service was brilliant. Warm and welcoming. The chef came out and had a conversation with us. Nothing was too much trouble. Would highly recommend
Do not leave a visit to Plymouth without dining at this incredible restaurant just a stone's throw away from Royal William Yard. Chef Patron Peter and his wife Debbie make sure you have an exceptional dining experience. Michelin quality food all freshly cooked in situ within an atmospheric Tudor time tower, with a cosy log fire and amazing views. Lovely menu with mouth watering choices. Good wine list. Relaxed and smooth service. A complete joy! Thank you Peter and Debbie. The 200+ journey to enjoy dinner at Artillery Tower again was more than worth it! See you again. Rosie & Michael.
An excellent night celebrating our birthday We rediscovered our love of this amazing place with its stunning food and engaging staff. Since our return to Plymouth we had to experience The Artillery Tower again for a birthday treat. A simply lovely place with warm and knowledgable people serving fresh and beautifully cooked food. A gorgeous log fire embraced us in a clean and unique space that added to our evening along with good conversation and service. Thank you both so much for making our special day even more memorable.
An excellent night celebrating our birthday We rediscovered our love of this amazing place with its stunning food and engaging staff. Since our return to Plymouth we had to experience The Artillery Tower again for a birthday treat. A simply lovely place with warm and knowledgable people serving fresh and beautifully cooked food. A gorgeous log fire embraced us in a clean and unique space that added to our evening along with good conversation and service. Thank you both so much for making our special day even more memorable. Google Business Reviews
OPEN FOR DINNER: Thursday - Saturday, from 7.00pm. Last arrival: 7.30pm. Doors close: 10.30pm.
CLOSED: Sunday - Wednesday, and lunchtimes.
Tell us your dining queries, or whatever. Please phone 01752 257610.
Note we ask for credit or debit card details to validate a deposit of £25 per person on ALL reservations. See our booking terms.
The Artillery Tower has been run by myself, chef Peter Constable and my wife Debbie, for more than twenty years. It offers some of the best restaurant dining in Plymouth. The Michelin-rated restaurant focuses on sourcing the best local produce, combined with proper cooking, and a relaxed informal service. And the wood-burning stove and exposed stone walls create a friendly atmosphere.
The restaurant is set quietly a few minutes drive from the city centre. And it’s only 100 metres away from the Royal William Yard. There is plenty of free parking is available nearby. We look forward to welcoming you to our Plymouth restaurant.
NOTES.
If you need a taxi, you MUST order this in advance. INCLUDING THE RETURN TRIP! Taxis can be difficult to find, later in the evening in Plymouth.
We do suggest wearing clothing sensitive to the conditions, especially outerwear coming to and leaving the restaurant. The weather can get a bit wild. Not scary in any way, and perfectly safe, but best you be prepared.
Google Business Reviews
DINNER MENU
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY DINNER MENU: £60.00 THREE COURSES, £55.00 TWO COURSES
Note. The menu shown here is current, but may not be the exact menu for your booked day. Ring us if you have a specific question.
Nibbles - bread - little soup
-
Shallot - Goat’s cheese tart - 25 Y/O Balsamic vinegar
Squid - tomato - orange - fennel - almonds
Spiced lamb purse - yoghurt - mint - cucumber
Scallops - artichoke - smoked bacon
-
Fillet of beef - mushroom duxelles +£5
Peppered loin of venison - cranberry and orange compôte
Sea bass - tiger prawn - roast shellfish sauce
Roast duck - pineapple pickle
(Potato and vegetables included)
-
Chocolate mousse cake - passionfruit sorbet
Apple crumble - stem ginger ice cream
Sherry and raisin ice cream
Cherry and almond tart - Amaretto ice cream
A selection of British cheese
-
Coffee: £4.00, Tea: £3.50
The philosophy of our ever-changing menu respects the traditions of classical cuisine. We value proper preparation, freshly-made stocks, sauces and pastries. Note we make our own bread, pasta, chocolates and fudge (yum!).
The food you enjoy at the Artillery Tower focuses on fresh, local and seasonal ingredients from artisan suppliers. Good food needs great ingredients and we make every effort to source the best produce we can using our many years of experience.
The Artillery Tower is proud to provide the only fine dining experience close to the Royal William Yard. Indeed, with our unique location and stunning sea views we are a fabulous choice.
Located close to the Royal William entrance our Plymouth restaurant menus offer sophistication and good food in equal measure. With a great choice of restaurants in and around the Royal William Yard you should really come down and seek us out, it’s well worth it.
OUR LOCAL SUPPLIERS
Gribbles Butchers, Ivybridge – Mark sources simply the best beef, lamb and pork from farms in the area. Dedicated to Devon farmers. www.gribblesbutchers.co.uk
Howells Butchers,Tavistock – Otter Valley Organic Poultry, Newton Abbot.
Real Veal Company – Welfare friendly rose veal, Looe. www.bocaddonfarmveal.com
Gara Barton Venison, Bodmin. www.garabarton.co.uk
Ocean Harvest, Andy Trust, Looe – Finest day boat fish.
Crebers of Tavistock – Rare malts, cognacs etc. www.crebers.co.uk
Trewithen Farm Dairy, Lostwithiel – Milk and cream.
Britannia Shellfish, Nick and Anita Beesands – Hand-dived scallops, crab, lobster and fish from their own boats. www.britanniashellfish.co.uk
Devonia spring water. www.devoniaspringwater.co.uk
Country Cheeses,Gary and Elise, Tavistock – Local and regional farmhouse cheeses and butter. www.countrycheese.co.uk
Christopher Piper wines. Ottery St Mary. www.christopherpiperwines.co.uk
OPEN FOR DINNER: Thursday - Saturday, from 7.00pm. Last arrival: 7.30pm. Doors close: 10.30pm.
CLOSED: Sunday - Wednesday, and lunchtimes.
Tell us your dining queries, or whatever. Please phone 01752 257610.
Note we ask for credit or debit card details to validate a deposit of £25 per person on ALL reservations. See our booking terms.
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY DINNER MENU: £60.00 THREE COURSES, £55.00 TWO COURSES
Note. The menu shown here is current, but may not be the exact menu for your booked day. Ring us if you have a specific question.
Nibbles - bread - little soup
-
Shallot - Goat’s cheese tart - 25 Y/O Balsamic vinegar
Squid - tomato - orange - fennel - almonds
Spiced lamb purse - yoghurt - mint - cucumber
Scallops - artichoke - smoked bacon
-
Fillet of beef - mushroom duxelles +£5
Peppered loin of venison - cranberry and orange compôte
Sea bass - tiger prawn - roast shellfish sauce
Roast duck - pineapple pickle
(Potato and vegetables included)
-
Chocolate mousse cake - passionfruit sorbet
Apple crumble - stem ginger ice cream
Sherry and raisin ice cream
Cherry and almond tart - Amaretto ice cream
A selection of British cheese
-
Coffee: £4.00, Tea: £3.50
BOOKING TERMS
Because of increasing numbers of no-show bookings, we now ask for credit or debit card details to validate a deposit of £25 per person on ALL reservations.
To guarantee such bookings we require credit/debit card details and charge your card when we have confirmed the reservation. The booking may be cancelled without charge up to 48 HOURS in advance, and your card will be credited accordingly. But note cancellations MUST be by telephone and you must be given a cancellation number. An email or voicemail message is not sufficient.
If we manage to fully re-book your table, then we will also refund your deposit in full. Partial re-booking will result in partial refunds. For example, you have booked for four persons and we re-book your table for just two, then only two deposits would be refunded.
Similarly, if you book for say, four and turn up as two, then two deposits will retained. We trust these terms are fair to everyone, and welcome your comments.
It’s a shame that some people are so irresponsible making restaurant bookings, and hope you understand the need for deposits.
We are a tiny operation, with just myself, Peter cooking and Debbie, my wife in the dining-room.
Allergies are many, varied and complex. We know our dishes intimately, so call us to discuss. But we struggle with dairy-free, and to be honest requests for no onion or garlic!
We will ask when you book about specific dietary needs, and possible allergies. We don’t want to decline any booking, but we must work within our limitations.
We prepare everything ourselves and can provide full information about our dishes. We are aware of, and fully comply with, the 2014 ‘EU Regulation 1169/2011’.
Whilst the menu shown here is very recent, it may not be exactly the menu for today. Ring us if you have a specific question.
PICTURE GALLERY
HOW TO FIND OUR RESTAURANT NEAR THE ROYAL WILLIAM YARD
Plymouth and its restaurants are easily reached. Our restaurant is near the ferries and the Docks, so just follow the signs.
THE HISTORY OF THE ARTILLERY TOWER IN PLYMOUTH
Firestone Bay Artillery Tower dates from the early 1500s, and is one of the oldest complete military buildings on Plymouth’s sea front. This tower protected the deep water passage at the North of Plymouth sound, between Drake’s Island and the main water front.
Piers Edgecumbe acquired most of the land of the then ‘City of Stonehouse’ by his marriage to the heiress to the estate – Joan Durnford. He was granted license to improve and fortify the land by Henry VIII in 1539. The tower was one of the fortifications, along with a city wall, to protect Stonehouse from attack by seaborne raiders.
The lowest gun-ports in the tower (now blocked) were designed to enable the defenders’ cannon to inflict maximum damage on enemy ships.
These improvements and fortifications were a wise precaution. For in 1544 France turned her energies from Spain towards England. Then, in 1588 the tower would have been the only permanent defence against the Spanish Armada.
In the 1660’s, Charles II built the Royal Citadel on the Hoe with gun positions pointing at Plymouth and the sea, so the Tower’s role began to diminish. In Worth’s 1884 document, ‘The History of Plymouth’ the Artillery Tower was briefly named ‘The Winter Villa’ when it was a police house.
It has also been a coastguard station, Ministry of Defence store and a public convenience! Conversion to a restaurant was in 1983. The Artillery Tower is one of the most preserved fortifications from Tudor times.
SOME SIMPLE RECIPES
OUR DAUPHINOISE POTATOES
300 ml double cream
2 cloves peeled bruised garlic
Pinch nutmeg
6g salt
Put the cream, garlic, salt and pepper over heat bring to a gentle simmer and infuse for 15 mins. Remove garlic from the cream. Add the potatoes and bring slowly to a simmer cook for 10 mins frequently stirring gently. Transfer to a suitable sized dish and bake until golden brown.
MUSHROOM SOUP
2cloves of garlic chopped
200g onions chopped
500g Shitaki mushrooms finely sliced
500g of closed cap mushrooms finely sliced
1litre of chicken stock
50g dried ceps soaked in enough water to cover them. I use the Italian brand from Sainsburys.
Salt and pepper to taste 200ml double cream
White truffle oil to taste also available from Sainsburys.
Melt butter in a suitable pan large enough hold all the ingredients. Add the onions and garlic to the pan and sweat them until soft but not coloured. Add the fresh mushrooms lower the heat and place a lid on and sweat the mushrooms until they have completely wilted and has created it own stock.
Add the dried mushrooms and water. Add half the stock and bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 mins. Add cream. Remove from heat and blend until smooth. At this point you may need add more stock to get the desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle truffle oil just before serving.
If you are going spend the £20 it costs to make this soup. I would advise making a homemade chicken stock, the results are better. If you are going to use a stock cube watch the salt.
PARSLEY AND POTATO SOUP
500g of chopped leeks
150g of diced potatoes
1 litre of chicken stock
100ml whipping cream
100g unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste.
In a large saucepan melt half the butter. Pick over the parsley leaves, chop the stalks, reserve half of the leaves. Sweat the leeks and parsley in the butter until soft, add the chicken stock and simmer until potatoes are cooked.
Whilst the soup is simmering chop remaining parsley, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, plunge under cold water and drain. Blend soup with blanched parsley and pass through a sieve. Blend in butter and cream. Season to taste.
CANNELLINI AND SMOKED BACON SOUP
300g chopped onions
100g chopped celery
100g of chopped leeks
3 cloves of garlic
1 bay leaf
12 black peppercorns
5 rashers of smoked streaky bacon
2.5 litre of chicken stock
Soak beans overnight. Drain and put with all the above ingredients in a pan. Bring to the boil and simmer until beans are ender Remove bacon from the pan and blend. If soup is too thick add water or milk to get desired consistency. Pass through fine sieve. Blend in 50g of butter (optional). Check seasoning.
NB Do not add salt during the initial cooking of the beans (beans will not soften if you do).
Peter and Debbie Constable,
The Artillery Tower,
Firestone Bay,
Plymouth PL1 3QR
t: 01752 257610
Please DO NOT try and make bookings by email, as we do not take online or email bookings. We need to actually speak with you to make a reservation. Sorry, but our experience with email and online bookings is that the majority do not turn up!
OPEN FOR DINNER: Thursday - Saturday, from 7.00pm. Last arrival: 7.30pm. Doors close: 10.30pm.
CLOSED: Sunday - Wednesday, and lunchtimes.
Tell us your dining queries, or whatever. Please phone 01752 257610.
Note we ask for credit or debit card details to validate a deposit of £25 per person on ALL reservations. See our booking terms.
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