OM RECOMMENDS: HonkyTonk Wine Library

HonkyTonk Wine Library, located in the water’s edge in Sutton Harbour, serves a variety of platters and cheeseboards to accompany the vast array of wine from around the world. The team at OM were kindly invited to a meal at HonkyTonk last month to experience the Wine Library and sample the menu.

Idyllically situated just a stone’s throw from the water, HonkyTonk is the perfect location to sit back and enjoy some of the finest wine and cheese that Plymouth has to offer. You can be at the Barbican in less than 5 minutes or take a stroll up to the Hoe in 10 minutes. There is also ample parking if you are travelling from further afield.

We were invited to dine at HonkyTonk on a Friday afternoon which meant there was a lively atmosphere when we arrived. As you walk into HonkyTonk, you will notice lots of outdoor seating surrounded by plants and comfortable cushions. On your left is the entrance which takes you into the main restaurant and wine bar where you are then greeted by one of the team. The interior was warm and welcoming with lots of exposed wood and wine barrels which gave off a wine cellar aesthetic. Behind the bar was an enormous array of wine, spirits and bubbly which encompassed the whole of the back wall.

We were seated by one of their waitresses towards the back of the restaurant at a large table. HonkyTonk is dog friendly so we bought our office dogs Bella, Stevie, Shiloh and Ellie along with us. As soon as we found our seats, a water bowl was bought out for the dogs along with some dog treats that very quickly disappeared.

Drinks first and as we were at a wine library, it would have been rude not to try some of their wine. Edward, the Sales Manager and myself ordered the wine flight which consisted of three different wines to try. We decided to choose one red, one white and one rose and then asked the waitress to choose the wine. The wine flight was brought over on a wooden board with the names of each wine written underneath each glass. The white wine was called Dalwood Dry White Local which was light, fruity and complimented the mussels perfectly. The rose wine was called Portal da Calcada Vinho Verde Rose which was floral, fruity and paired well with mature cheese. The red wine was called Kewin Descombes Beaujolais ‘Cuvee Keke’ which was smooth, smokey and complimented the cheeseboard perfectly.

Myles, the Managing Director, ordered a glass of Tatinger and Emma, the Accounts Manager, ordered a non-alcoholic Seedlip gin and tonic.

With the drinks ordered, it was time for food. We decided to order some bread, olive oil and balsamic vinegar and some olives as a starter to share. These were some of the nicest olives I have ever tried and the sourdough bread was light and moreish.

The waitress told us that all of their food is cooked fresh and to order so there may be a wait of 30 minutes. The slower pace made the whole meal seem more relaxing which felt like more of an experience rather than just a place to eat.

The sharing platters appealed to us as a great way to taste the menu whilst accommodating to everybody’s dietary needs. We chose the full HonkyTonk platter, the vegan sharing platter and a cheese board for the table. The full Honkytonk platter came with a choice of tandoori chicken or mussels so as the only two meat eaters of the table, Myles tried the chicken and I had the mussels. The rest was shared by the whole table which was more than enough to go around.

The full HonkyTonk platter consisted of three artisan cheeses, a baked camembert, charcuterie meats, crispy chicken wings, onion bhaji’s, chorizo sausages, pate, dauphinoise potatoes and a side of chutneys, crackers, bread and olives which were all divine.

The vegan platter was similar to the full HonkyTonk platter but instead consisted of vegan Fysh fingers, filled potatoes, homemade falafel, hummus and pickled soy cucumber. The platter was so full of colour, different textures and flavours that you didn’t feel as though you were missing out on anything.

The cheeseboard came with a selection of crackers and fruit which complimented the artisan cheeses. The cheeses were; Lincolnshire poacher, Gorgonzola Dolce, True Grit Cheddar and Beauvale which went beautifully with the wine flight.

Honkytonk also serve a delicious breakfast, comedy nights, wine tastings and private hire and they are taking bookings for our New Years Eve event – all details are online.

Our experience at HonkyTonk lasted quite a few hours as we were all trying the different foods on each platter and enjoying each other’s company. The waiting team and the owners were all very attentive and made sure we were all well looked after. Another visit to Honkytonk is definitely on the cards very soon to be able to try more of the wines on offer and experience the relaxed setting once again.

Head to their website to book a table:
www.honkytonkwinelibrary.com
2 North East Quay, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth PL4 0BN