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The Barbican is the name given to the western and northern sides of the old harbour area (Sutton Harbour) of Plymouth. It was one of the few parts of the city to escape most of the destruction of The Blitz during the Second World War. Two or three streets still retain some of the architecture of an old fishing port.
The present Barbican district is generally regarded as being roughly equivalent to the location and size of the medieval walled town of Sutton. A barbican is a fortified gate, and here the name probably derives from the 'Castle Barbican' which was an entrance to the late medieval fortress that guarded access to the Cattewater, prior to the building of the Royal Citadel.
For centuries the Barbican was home to Plymouth's fish market (now relocated to the other side of the harbour) and is still home to many fishermen.
Today the Barbican is mostly pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants.

Sutton Harbour lies at the heart of Plymouth old Town. It used to be a fishing harbour (there still is a trawler fleet), but now is mostly used as a marina. The area around the harbour (The Barbican) is a hive of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants.