The Bottling Plant is in Plymouth’s Barbican area. As with much of the city, the Barbican has a keen sense of being shaped by the sea, trade and war. Narrow cobbled streets and architectural styles spanning Elizabethan to Victorian hark back to Plymouth’s storied seafaring history, with the old fish market now converted into a series of bars, shops and restaurants.
The Bottling Plant is on South Side Street and takes its name from its former life as a bottling plant for Plymouth Gin. Its decor is an eclectic mix of Edwardian, up-cycled, and naval-inspired furniture, with the walls filled with art, a nod to the building’s previous use as a gallery. The original stone floor, beams, and metal pillars add to the restaurant's sense of history and ensure it remains in keeping with its Barbican surroundings.
Food is served in one of three areas. Barrels sees guests perched on top of glass-topped whiskey barrels, ideal for coffee or drinks, and there’s also Dining Tables (furnished with Chesterfield luxury), and Relaxed (more casual seating areas). The small plates menu is perfect for sharing or having alongside drinks. Options include pan seared scallops with a pig cheek croquette, and pea and wasabi panna cotta. The large plates range offers something more substantial for evening dining. Fowey mussels with a cream ‘ndjua sauce and baked fillet of hake stand as nods to The Bottling Plant’s waterside location, and there’s also a lamb burger, grilled bavette, and oven roasted lamb striploin.
Afternoon tea is also on offer, available either traditional (with a plain or fruity scone) or savoury (with a cheesy scone). The sandwich line up doesn’t stop there. The main range of sandwiches is perfect for lunch and includes fillings such as avocado, blue cheese, caramelised onions and rocket, and smoked salmon with a dill cream cheese.