A deceptively large pub on the Parade - you step inside and the place just extends on and on! This makes it a useful spot that you could visit for whatever kind of drinks meet-up you're looking for. On this occasion I stopped in with my sister and her husband, and we had a relaxed after-dinner drink on the comfy sofa seating. But the rest of the place was a real mix of everything from groups of younger guys in the bar area blatantly pre-drinking for a big night out, to a middle-aged couple having cosy drinks on the high chair seating. There are also proper tables and chairs set out towards the back as they serve food during the day.
There's a nice cosy feel to the place though nothing particularly special about the decor. My bro in law ended up sipping his beer for quite a while without company as my sister and I had ordered cocktails which took an aaage to make. The barman had given me a look of fear that implied he'd never been asked to make one before, so whether he had to take a few attempts or get someone else to do it I'm not sure! Anyway, my sister's rec of the 'Solero' was good when it eventually came, tasting a lot like the ice cream which I love (only with rum!) though I managed to give myself mild brainfreeze after getting a bit overenthusiastic :-$ It probably wasn't helped by the draft from the fire exit door being wedged open right opposite the sofa area to let the smokers in and out - I had wondered why no one else had nabbed the sofa space before us! read more