Restaurant by the sea. 

The sea wall on Plymouth Sound with views to Drake’s Island.

The Artillery Tower Restaurant sits in a 15th century tower overlooking the sea.

Clive M AvatarClive M
5 star rating 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... read more - 28/10/23 
Andrew H AvatarAndrew H
5 star rating Chef’s kiss…speechless! The food exceptional, the wine phenomenal, the service incredible!! The view indescribable, our evening? Unbeatable!!!! - 15/09/23 
TechnoProf AvatarTechnoProf
4 star rating 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... read more - 10/09/23 
charlies574 Avatarcharlies574
5 star rating Hidden Gem As a birthday treat we visited this hidden gem of a restaurant and what a night! A Historic building with... read more - 27/08/23 
MARY R AvatarMARY R
5 star rating An exceptional restaurant in every way! I cannot believe I haven't been here before when visiting Plymouth! The atmosphere, food, surroundings and service were superb. We... read more - 27/08/23 
Tina W AvatarTina W
5 star rating A absolutely perfect meal in a beautiful setting. Visited this beautiful restaurant for my birthday, whilst holidaying in Devon. We were recommended to visit by... read more - 21/08/23 
Explore53549258244 AvatarExplore53549258244
5 star rating Deserves a Michelin accolade From start to finish a lovely evening! The cocktail was unusual and interesting. The amuse bouche was delightful.... read more - 20/08/23 
826nicolac Avatar826nicolac
5 star rating Great find Super romantic place . Food delicious building incredible. So glad we went ( a surprise from my boyfriend) The... read more - 14/08/23 
GrandTour11179164188 AvatarGrandTour11179164188
5 star rating Best restaurant in Plymouth Definitely the best restaurant in Plymouth. Very limited number of covers so well worth booking in advance as is checking... read more - 28/07/23 
Thomas H AvatarThomas H
5 star rating Perfect setting and perfect food for my 30th Birthday! Honestly can not recommend this restaurant enough - a really unique and interesting setting, and we were made to feel... read more - 25/07/23 
Clive M AvatarClive M
5 star rating 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... read more - 28/10/23 
Andrew H AvatarAndrew H
5 star rating Chef’s kiss…speechless! The food exceptional, the wine phenomenal, the service incredible!! The view indescribable, our evening? Unbeatable!!!! - 15/09/23 
TechnoProf AvatarTechnoProf
4 star rating 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... read more - 10/09/23 
charlies574 Avatarcharlies574
5 star rating Hidden Gem As a birthday treat we visited this hidden gem of a restaurant and what a night! A Historic building with... read more - 27/08/23 
MARY R AvatarMARY R
5 star rating An exceptional restaurant in every way! I cannot believe I haven't been here before when visiting Plymouth! The atmosphere, food, surroundings and service were superb. We... read more - 27/08/23 

Google Business Reviews

catherine johnson Avatarcatherine johnson
Had a great meal here last night, food perfect and a very comfortable atmosphere - 09/10/23 
Jason Harmer AvatarJason Harmer
- 24/09/23 
Chris Pearson AvatarChris Pearson
Great evening to celebrate my Birthday. Fabulous food and a great selection of wines , all backed up with... read more - 23/09/23 
Mary Russell AvatarMary Russell
I cannot believe I haven't been here before! A hidden gem! Amazing food, very personal service, special atmosphere and views... read more - 27/08/23 
David C AvatarDavid C
Excellent food, lovely atmosphere. You're not rushed through your meal, which makes for much more enjoyable evening. Will definitely go again. - 18/08/23 

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

catherine johnson Avatarcatherine johnson
Had a great meal here last night, food perfect and a very comfortable atmosphere - 09/10/23 
Jason Harmer AvatarJason Harmer
- 24/09/23 
Chris Pearson AvatarChris Pearson
Great evening to celebrate my Birthday. Fabulous food and a great selection of wines , all backed up with... read more - 23/09/23 
Mary Russell AvatarMary Russell
I cannot believe I haven't been here before! A hidden gem! Amazing food, very personal service, special atmosphere and views... read more - 27/08/23 
David C AvatarDavid C
Excellent food, lovely atmosphere. You're not rushed through your meal, which makes for much more enjoyable evening. Will definitely go again. - 18/08/23 

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

-

Mushroom - garlic - goat’s cheese - bruschetta V

Crab - heritage tomatoes - basil

Burrata - peaches - almonds - fennel V

Roast monkfish - mussels - coconut broth

-

Rack of lamb with herbs & garlic - minted peas

Rabbit - bacon - mustard sauce

Sea bass - scallops - pickled fennel - roasted shellfish sauce

Fillet of beef - oxtail mushroom - horseradish

(Potato and vegetables included)

-

Sherry & raisin ice cream - fudge - PX sherry

Chocolate mousse cake - raspberry sorbet

Strawberries - elderflower jelly - meringue

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

-

Mushroom - garlic - goat’s cheese - bruschetta V

Crab - heritage tomatoes - basil

Burrata - peaches - almonds - fennel V

Roast monkfish - mussels - coconut broth

-

Rack of lamb with herbs & garlic - minted peas

Rabbit - bacon - mustard sauce

Sea bass - scallops - pickled fennel - roasted shellfish sauce

Fillet of beef - oxtail mushroom - horseradish

(Potato and vegetables included)

-

Sherry & raisin ice cream - fudge - PX sherry

Chocolate mousse cake - raspberry sorbet

Strawberries - elderflower jelly - meringue

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
500g potatoes, sliced to about the thickness of a 50p piece
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
170g butter
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
250g of flat leaf parsley
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
500g of cannellini beans
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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