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Décor
The idea behind All Bar One was developed by two ladies in 1994.
They dreamed of a bar suitable for women to have a drink and
something to eat without the intimidating surroundings of a
traditional pub (dark and dingy). This is why all of the All bar
ones have large glass frontage, plenty of space between tables
and interiors that are bright and airy. Irrespective of
location, they have identical wooden flooring, menu and service.
Antique mirrors, natural colours and wooden furniture mix
together in a classic and modern style that works well.
The menu has tapas from different parts of the world, including
the Mediterranean region, Italy and the East. There is also a
variety of tasty burgers, heaviy filled sandwiches and a variety
of salads. All Bar One pride them selves as much on drink as
they do food, many restaurant/bars display a wall of champagne
and wines. The blackboards on the walls display daily specials.
Atmosphere
We had lunch here on a Thursday at 1pm. About 30% of the
restaurant and bar was full. The music is modern and and there
was lots of chit chat on the occupied tables. Many people come
here just for the atmosphere espeically on a Friday evening and
many business meetings will be had here. The bar is packed and
the music is turned up on the evenings adding to the buzz of All
Bar One.
Service
Although
this is not a restaurant as such, the service is available to
your table when ordering food and drinks. The staff are friendly
and willing to help. Jenny was our waitress for lunch and was
polite and quick. I suggest you try the table service when
ordering beverages at the weekend as the bar area can be packed
and service not so good although the Manager advised us that
more staff have been taken on to correct this.
Food
The menu
offers lots of choice and it can be hard deciding what to eat.
Hand made burgers are a must, along with the freshly made hot
sandwiches and grilled skewers. As my guest and I love all
cuisines from around the world we opted for the World Tapas
(£25). Seven dishes arrive at once - all good sized portions.
The tapas is most certainly enough for three people to share.
Please note there are lots of carbohydrates in the in the tapas
as 5 out the 7 dishes come with a form of bread.
Ciabatta –
with pico de gallo tomato salsa (£2)
This is
plain bread with a spicy salsa. The salsa would be wonderful
with your favourite nacho but we felt the bread was a tad
boring.
Antipasti
Plate – with chorizo, salami milano, prosciutto with caper
berries and gherkins (£5)
These meats
are tender and complimented with salted berries and gherkins.
This will not be for everyone as this dish arrives cold.
Shitake &
Oyester Mushrooms – cooked in white wine sauce on brochettes
(£4)
This was
amazing. The gooey mushrooms on toast tasted fantastic. If you
like mushrooms you’ll love this dish.
Organic
Welsh Goat’s Cheese – organic goats cheese with red onion
marmalade on brochettes (£5)
The cheese
was soft and not too strong. The marmalade is a little tangy but
mixed well on the brochettes.
Chicken
Quesadilla – with monterey jack cheese, caramelised red onions
and sour cream £5
This was
the best dish on the tapas menu. The chicken had a delightful
spice to it and left a lovely tingle in the mouth. The
quesadilla are floury and soft. “One more portion please.”
Tiger Prawn
Skewers – in light coconut tempura with sweet chilli dip (£4.50)
Whilst the
chicken was the best dish but for sea food lovers – this was
also a must! The prawns are hot and crispy and cooked in light
oil. This will certainly be ordered again and was hugely enjoyed
with the wonderful chilli sauce.
Crispy Pork
Goyzas – served with oriental glaze (£4.50)
These are
brilliant when dipped in the oriental glaze. They look like mini
Cornish Pasties and are moreish.
All Bar One know what they do best. They offer a professional
service with good quality food in a cracking atmosphere and
relaxed surroundings. They will be bringing out a winter menu in
November with even more choice and winter delights. Arrive early
as parking is not the best or order a taxi. |
