Bars & Pubs

This neat bar-brasserie on St John Street is part of the Martin Brothers' burgeoning empire. The ground floor is mostly taken up by deliberately worn-out wooden dining tables, with some stools available at the matt metal bar, while down in the basement matters take a sultrier turn with chocolate leather banquettes, moody lighting and two aquariums built into the walls. Beers on tap include Paulaner, Amstel and Leffe while chiller cabinets hold a couple of interesting specimens such as Old Speckled Hen and the Portuguese Sagres. Wines are more of a strong point, with around eight reds and whites available by the glass, and plenty of alluring choices by the bottle. There's a brief list of cocktails at £6.50 each too. Snacks (£1.75-£4.50) include green chillies stuffed with feta and devilled whitebait. Meals are rustic and hearty yet quietly modish.

Time Out editors