The festive season is well and truly here; Santa has made an early appearance, the harbour is lit up with twinkling lights, and shop windows in the adjacent Barbican quarter have been transformed into Christmassy scenes. So how will you be celebrating the most wonderful time of the year?
As we count down to Christmas, we will be highlighting 12 places in Sutton Harbour you can visit during the holidays to make the most of the festive season with friends and family along Plymouth’s historic waterfront.
1. Miller & Carter Steakhouse
Serving up 30-day aged British and Irish steaks, the Miller and Carter Steakhouse is the perfect spot for a special family dinner or a romantic meal for two. The steakhouse is located at Sutton Wharf and boasts an extensive menu which includes fish, vegetarian and gluten free dishes.
Miller and Carter’s festive menu is currently on offer, and you can book now to enjoy Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Eve at the steakhouse.
You can even enjoy a complimentary glass of wine when you sign up to the Steak Club for the latest information and offers at Miller and Carter. The steakhouse is open 12noon-10pm seven days a week but it’s best to call in advance to book and check availability.
Visit the Miller & Carter website for more information.
2. Rockfish
Neighbouring the National Marine Aquarium, Rockfish is owned by chef Mitch Tonks and offers a range of fresh, sustainable seafood. The restaurant has a fantastic view of Plymouth Sound which can be enjoyed from their sheltered deck area as well as indoors.
The restaurant has recently launched its Christmas menu, offering a three-course meal for £38 per person and includes champagne and nibbles on arrival. Choose your starter, main and dessert from a range of options and enjoy Christmas with a seafood twist.
You can find out more on the Rockfish website.
3. The Stable
The Stable sits right in the heart of Sutton Harbour on Vauxhall Street and serves up an extensive variety of pizzas, sides and ciders. There’s something for everyone at The Stable with over 50 varieties of cider on offer and delicious sourdough pizzas topped with locally-sourced ingredients. There’s also a great vegan and vegetarian menu as well as desserts – why not treat yourself? You can even order your pizza online and pick it from the restaurant with its click & collect service.
The Stable is currently offering festive-themed pizzas, a range of sides and desserts on their Christmas menu. And while we’re in the season of giving, you can gift someone a meal at The Stable with its range of gift cards.
Find out more at The Plymouth Stable website.
4. Supha’s Street Food Emporium
Supha’s Street Food Emporium brings you the real taste of street food from Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. Their extensive menu features delicious dishes using fresh, local produce in a street food-style with strong Asian influences.
The restaurant is also offering a click and collect service so you can enjoy your favourite Supha’s dishes at home. Order via the website and pick up your dishes at your allotted time. If you’d like to dine in, the restaurant is open six days a week, Tuesday to Sunday, from 12noon-10pm.
Visit the website for more information.
5. National Marine Aquarium
Located on the eastern side of the harbour, the National Marine Aquarium is home to over 4,000 sea creatures across a range of exciting exhibits. The NMA is the UK’s largest aquarium providing a fun family day out as well as the home of ground-breaking ocean conservation.
Throughout the year, the aquarium hosts a range of events offering visitors a unique experience and the chance to explore to exhibits after hours. Events include Dine at the Aquarium, Yogo at the Aquarium and Quiet at the Aquarium.
Find out more about the National Marine Aquarium here.
6. HonkyTonk Wine Library
HonkyTonk Wine Library is based at North East Quay and offers a variety of wines and rums as well as a range of delicious deli foods.
Get into the Christmas spirit at HonkyTonk, with its range of festive wines and foods. You can also book for a celebratory drink or your Christmas party. From a table for two to a large group, book your slot to celebrate the festive season at HonkyTonk. Groups of up to 26 can hire out half of the venue while groups of more can hire the whole of the wine lounge.
Find out more on the HonkyTonk website.
7. Barbican Bao
An Asian street food truck opened in Sutton Harbour this summer offering bao buns and has proved popular with many visitors to Plymouth’s waterfront.
Barbican Bao is located in Quay Square on the historic harbourside overlooking the marina and has created an exciting new food offering in Plymouth.
On the menu are a range of fillings which include Korean pulled beef, Barbecue char sui pork, teriyaki mushroom (vegan) or bang bang seitan (vegan), with fresh Asian slaw, pickled radish and your choice of toppings and sauces. Barbican Bao also serves a variety of refreshments to wash down your buns.
Find out more on their Facebook page.
8. Boston Tea Party
Offering a range of breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes, Boston Tea Party is another popular spot with an extensive menu including vegan and vegetarian options. The cafe has a great range of hot and cold drinks and was the first to ban single-use cups – they offer discounts for people bringing in their own cups.
Boston Tea Party is the perfect spot to warm up on a cold winter’s day. The café is open across the festive period with the exception of Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Take a look at the Boston Tea Party website to find out more.
9. The Ship
Located along the historic harbourside overlooking Sutton Harbour Marina, The Ship serves an extensive range of pub food and drinks with indoor and sheltered outdoor seating.
The Ship is currently offering its festive menu, available until Boxing Day. Enjoy selection of small plates including pigs in blankets and stuffing balls, tuck into a festive burger and finish it off with a warm Christmas pudding cookie for dessert.
The Ship is also hosting a range of events throughout the festive period, from quiz nights to live music. Visit the website for more information.
10. Daisy’s Tea Rooms and Coffee Shop
Next door to HonkyTonk is Daisy’s Tea Rooms and Coffee Shop – a dog-friendly café serving up homemade bakes and cakes as well as afternoon tea and Sunday roasts.
The café has recently started selling personalised Daisy’s key rings. The owners often take snaps of their customers enjoying their time at Daisy’s and now visitors can buy a double-sided key ring with that image for just £6 which will be made there and then.
Daisy’s is also offering gift vouchers for people to purchase for a loved one this Christmas. You can find out more and book your table via their Facebook page.
11. The Quayside
The quayside circling Sutton Harbour is the perfect place for a leisurely walk with stunning views. Along the historic quayside there is a range of alfresco and takeaway eateries including The Greek, Louise’s Coffee and Donuts, Cap’n Jaspers and Alfresco. Enjoy a range of hot drinks and tasty snacks from one of these venues while taking a walk around the harbour.
While strolling around the harbour, hunt for the 12 displays of Christmas along the waterfront on the Christmas Trail, which can be found on the Plymouth Trails app.
12. Mayflower Steps
At the entrance of the harbour lies the Mayflower Steps Memorial commemorating the site where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America on board the Mayflower in 1620. The steps are the perfect spot to enjoy the view looking out to Plymouth Sound while on a winter walk along the harbour.
Visitors can also take a walk through history on the one-mile Harbour Heritage Trail circling Sutton Harbour where you can find out more about this historic part of Plymouth. The Mayflower Steps is just one of ten stops on the trail which can be found on the Plymouth Trails app.
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