St Austell re-opens Old Market House in Brixham

The 200-year-old grade II-listed building has been restored and retains its original feel as a working, harbourside building, which is part of its heritage. The walls have been stripped back to the original stonework and an asbestos roof has been replaced with traditionalslate.

The venue will hold around 260 people and will be run as an informal, food-led family venue. It has created 30 new jobs in the area.

The first floor will offer table service dining, complete with a glass balcony running the length of the building. The ground floor will have a more informal feel.

Menus will be based on fresh, local produce and will include QR codes on some dishes so smartphone users can see exactly where their food has come from. It will serve breakfast from 8am and food through to 10pm.

The Old Market House will be managed by Rhys Heavens with Michelin-trained Graham Clapson as head chef.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us and will give us our first premises in Brixham,” said Adam Luck, St Austell Brewery’s estate director.

“We are a local family firm proud to be supporting the local community and we look forward to extending our famous warm welcome to the people of Brixham.

“We hope the Old Market House shines the spotlight on the town and all it has to offer.”

David White of the Torbay Development Agency said: “The Old Market House is a flagship building for Brixham and enjoys a prime position overlooking the harbour and the wider vista of Tor Bay, therefore it has been renovated to a high quality specification in keeping with its heritage status.

“The new restaurant will bring the building back to life as a viable and publically accessible focal point for Brixham visitors and residents and as a driver for the town’s daytime and evening economy.”