Bars & Pubs

Nearly a decade young, the much-loved Social remains faithful to its mission to provide proper cocktails, decent global beers, fab jukebox tunes, cutting-edge DJs and beans on toast to the masses. The cocktails are 20 in number and around £6 in price: classics (cosmopolitans with Ketel One Citron, brambles with Plymouth gin) and a few inventions (the Social is a mix of Frangelico, Teichenné Butterscotch, cream and chocolate sprinkles). Shooters (£3, three for £7.50) suit the buzz in the cavernous basement DJ bar better than the more sedate, five-table affair upstairs. Beers draught (San Miguel, Beck's Vier) and bottled (Tsing Tao, Red Stripe, Brahma and Tiger) offer a global view, and the handful of wines sets the tone for the menu, a staunchly plate-on-your-knees approach to dining. Where else could you order spaghetti hoops on toast (£3.70) - grated cheese optional?

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9