Well, what to say about the new Rio? It used to be one of my favourite hangouts for morning coffee and a read of the papers, but I'd avoided it since it changed hands from some sense of misplaced loyalty or whatever.
However, my misgivings were unfounded. It's a lot smarter looking, but essentially it still has the same 'feel' as the old place, but the menu is much better. They still do the same good brunches though, and on this visit I had the smoked salmon and scrambled egg, which used to be one of my favourites. It still is, even though the prices are now much more in line with Delizique up the road - perhaps not surprising, as it is two ex-waiters from there who took this place over.
The evening menu is very good, although a bit lacking on the veggie options apart from a curry. As you might expect from the name, there are a couple of duck dishes on offer as well as some fishy stuff. I think they are doing wonders with the menu, given how small the kitchen area is.
Although it's still a good place to hang out during the day, the evening focus is now more on the dining front instead of the pub atmosphere that used to prevail. It's like a more upmarket Rio, really - and that's not a bad thing. read more