The Fig Tree @ 36

The story

The Fig Tree @ 36: Award-Winning Modern British Dining in Plymouth

The Kitchen and the Couple

Ryan leads the kitchen at The Fig Tree @ 36, a Plymouth bistro specialising in Modern British cuisine. He co-founded the venue with wife Tanya in September 2017, drawing on thirty years of experience from Yorkshire, London, and Devon roles including head chef posts at Bistro Bene, where he won an AA Rosette, and Quay 33. Tanya complements this with an MSc in Learning for Sustainability, steering the restaurant's emphasis on local supply chains. A "Trust the Chef" option allows diners to follow the kitchen's daily selections.

Seasonal Flavours and Staples

The kitchen prepares bread, smoked butter, and flavoured oils in-house, anchoring the menu with these staples. Customers frequently order the sticky toffee pudding as a celebration cake, with prices beginning at £65 for full tiers. Dietary flexibility defines the Modern British approach here; chefs adapt vegetarian and vegan dishes to requests, and the team manages severe allergies via prior notice. Ninety-five percent of the menu suits gluten-free diets, and even plain eaters can arrange custom off-menu dishes when booking.

The Dining Room

The forty-cover dining room maintains a relaxed, neighbourhood feel with no dress code and a children's menu. Twelve chairs line the terrace under the fig tree, while the resident cat, Prince, occasionally wanders the floor. The team delivers a warm welcome shaped by the couple's long history in Plymouth. Service runs Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, complemented by a monthly Sunday roast.