Dining at The Imperial Hotel

About

At the 4 Star Imperial Hotel, you can choose where you dine.

Take your pick from the Arlington Restaurants, a fine dining experience with outstanding cuisine in elegant and stylish surrounds, or the Colours Bistro, a smaller, more informal restaurant situated just off the Colours Bar, where you can enjoy a light meal or a more relaxed dining experience. There is also the Terrace Lounge, which is the perfect place to unwind with good food, good friends and a good drink!

Whichever you choose, you can be sure of high quality food and a great selection of wine. Classically traditional and contemporary cuisine includes creative dishes made with fresh ingredients which are sourced locally wherever possible. Plus, well stocked wine cellars offer an exceptional collection of vintage wines to complement your meal.

The Arlington Restaurant

The Arlington Restaurant in Barnstaple has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in North Devon. You can choose from the table d’hôte menu, which is changed daily or the a la carte menu which bursts with imaginative dishes created by an experienced team of chefs. The fine cuisine is complemented by attentive friendly service and the elegant ambience of this beautiful restaurant, with its chandeliers and lovely paintings.

This restaurant is a popular choice of venue for a grand luncheon party, perhaps to celebrate a special birthday, wedding anniversary or any other special occasion for guests and non-residents. A live singer performs in the restaurant on most Saturdays to make your fine dining experience even more special. Sample menus are available on the Imperial Hotel's website, including the West Country Cheese Menu and an extensive selection of speciality wines.

Lounge and Terrace

The Terrace Lounge makes a perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee, a light lunch, Devonshire cream tea or an after-dinner coffee or liqueur. The traditional Afternoon Tea should certainly be treated as an event.

The Terrace Lounge opens up onto the Terrace, so you can easily step outside on a fine day or a balmy evening. Enjoy the linen dressed tables, beautiful floral displays, cosy arm chairs and sumptuous surroundings.

The Terrace Lounge also leads through to the charming Tower Suite, which was the sitting room of the original Victorian family home and retains the original ambience. From here you have a wonderful view of the nearby Albert Memorial Clock Tower and this theme is carried through all the prints in this delightful room.

The Colours Bar and Bistro

The informal Colours Bistro is just right for a light meal or a relaxed candlelit dinner. There is a real cosy atmosphere, where you can really unwind while you peruse our tempting menus. The Bistro specialises in light dishes and snacks with a contemporary twist and is the best restaurant in Barnstaple for this style of cuisine.

The Colours Bar itself is one of the highlights of the Imperial Hotel, newly refurbished to create a luxury country house atmosphere. With rich colours, deep armchairs and subtle lighting, the Colours Bar is the perfect place to enjoy pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap. 

Do take a moment to look around the bar’s fascinating collection of military memorabilia, including a bugle from the Charge of the Light Brigade. There are also conflict medals on display and a selection of military themed books, which you are welcome to browse as you enjoy your drinks.

Before you visit, do check then hotel's website to take a look at the food and cocktail menus.