The Tawstock

The Tawstock is a training restaurant at North Devon College, and whatever images that may conjure up, abandon them at once. The restaurant has recently been given a total facelift, and The Tawstock now has a bright and contemporary interior, with light wooden flooring, crisp white linen and leather seating. A single stem orchid adorns every table and, with tea lights everywhere, the mood is one of restful relaxation.

It is amid this ambient atmosphere that great food is served by friendly and helpful staff. Enthusiastic and talented students are presided over by the efficient and welcoming manager. All of this makes for a fun and unique dining experience, where the food is the real star. For a starter, my tangy tomato and basil soup was made with uber-fresh ingredients, and the rich, light crab and Gruyere tartlets were complemented nicely by a rich dill sauce. The main courses - grilled cod with a delicate texture that contrasted beautifully with the crunchy herb crust, and a classic mixed grill - were two simple but well-cooked dishes, which left us feeling satisfied and impressed by the skills of the students. For dessert, the coffee creme brûlée had the requisite crisp caramel top and was truly delicious, and the flambé fruit, nicely boozy, was cooked theatrically in the dining area.

Food like this would cost a small fortune in a normal restaurant, but at The Tawstock a three-course meal is priced from only £10 per person, and a bottle of the quaffable house wine is a snip too, at just £8.50. So there really is every excuse to pop down and visit The Tawstock restaurant, and be cooked for by the cheffing stars of the future.