Fatbelly Fred’s, Barnstaple, Devon
Locally sourced, sustainable, a touch of the exotic. How does that grab you? That’s the ethos at Fatbelly Fred’s fish and seafood restaurant in Barnstaple and it works because they’ve won awards for the delicious fare they serve to many a happy local and holiday makers.
The family who run Fatbelly Fred’s are a smiley, friendly bunch, so the groove is relaxed, and the hospitality commendable. The food captures the essence of what’s fresh and in season in Devon with fish coming in straight off the boats from the nearby coast; on the menu are dishes like Paella with chorizo and lemon, Seafood pasta, Ilfracombe whole dressed brown crab, Whole Ilfracombe lobster thermidor, Sea bass with mussels, cabbage and a creamy marinieres sauce, and am absolute humdinger of a seafood sharing feast for two – ladies and gentleman, the Fruit de Mer: whole lobster, whole brown crab, oysters, crevette prawns, North Atlantic prawns, mussels, cockles, whelks, pickled anchovies, pickled herring, smoked salmon, sauces, dips, deep-fried seaweeds, samphire and lemons. How about that then? That’s a treat and a half!
If you’re not so partial to seafood don’t fret because they do other things too, like venison & vegetable pie, served with cauliflower and broccoli florets and hasselback potatoes. Portions are generous so if you’re wearing something with an elasticated waistband you’ll be fine, otherwise you might need to loosen a button or two! Enjoy!
Open: Thurs – Sat 5.30 pm-9.00 pm
T: 01271 345700 All information correct at the time of writing