No. 7 Fish Bistro & Wine Bar

Thanks to David Rowe and Linda Baker, the Devonshire Branch October gathering took us to No. 7 Fish Bistro & Wine Bar in Torquay, a family-run restaurant renowned for its fresh fish and shellfish, much of it sourced from nearby Brixham.

The meal began with a Crémant de Loire, made entirely from Chenin Blanc, a refreshing sparkling wine to accompany the seafood starters. Members chose from curried prawns, garlic and lemon butter king prawns, smoked mackerel pâté or mussels marinière.

The main courses included hake with tomatoes, basil and olive oil; a trio of grilled cod, tempura plaice and monkfish meunière; or grilled lemon sole with seared scallops, all served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes.

These dishes were accompanied by a 2026 Chenin Blanc from Beaumont Estate Wines, Bot River, South Africa, whose fresh acidity and fruity character complemented the delicate fish and richer shellfish. Alternatively, the 2021/2022 Cabernet Franc from Lynx Winery, Franschhoek, South Africa, offered red-fruit flavours and savoury notes for those preferring red wine.

Desserts included apple crumble and custard, sticky toffee pudding, ice cream and local sorbets, followed by tea or coffee.

The combination of fresh local seafood, wines from France and South Africa, and the friendly atmosphere at No. 7 made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Once again, good food, well-chosen wines and the company of fellow members provided the perfect ingredients for a successful IWFS gathering.

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