Chef Nat Tallents (ex-Plume and Feathers in Cornwall) is certainly not one to rest on her laurels. In 2020, she competed as a contestant in long-running television cooking competition MasterChef: The Professionals, as well as reaching the semi finals of the National Chef of the Year competition.
If that was not enough, a few months later, she then went on to open The Box Kitchen & Bar within The Box in Plymouth, a sleek £44m destination that was unveiled as a major part of the Mayflower 400 commemorations celebrating Plymouth’s rich past.
While The Box may serve as the main attraction here, the restaurant is worth a visit in its own right, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a long bustling bar and a permanent art installation which sees 14 historical figureheads suspended from the ceiling, just a few feet above diner’s head. While the quirky interiors are certainly a draw, people are really coming here to enjoy the all-day menu which features breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, as well as a children’s menu.
The menu here draws inspiration from around the world, but its seasonal ingredients are very much from the local area. Pop by in the morning to tuck into the likes of homemade granola drizzled with honey that is made locally, or indulge with a stack of American-style pancakes topped with either blueberries or smoked bacon. Lunchtime signatures meanwhile include a beetroot and halloumi burrito and the more prosaic Devon beef minute steak.
During the evening, the menu comprises nibbles and snacks, homemade flatbreads with various toppings, hearty burgers and standalone mains, such as roasted squash gnocchi or Devon crab linguine.
If you are short on time or want to scout out The Box before committing to a reservation, you can always try out its takeaway menu of teas, coffees, sandwiches and freshly baked pastries.