I'm going to open this with a fact: The Lost and Found is probably my favourite drinking venue in the city centre. Sorry everyone else, I really enjoy your premises, but the crown is currently held here.
The Lost and Found is located in the building that used to house Bennets Wine Bar; a beautiful old bank with high ceilings that, at the end of it's life, became a little shabby (they let post student me in!).
After a period of being closed, it reopened as the lost and found, and what a difference. The venue makes great use of the high ceilings and architecture to create the feeling of a hidden garden; a secret watering hole.
The theme (if you can call it that) is based around a Victorian mixologist. It's not as cheesey as it sounds, and it's a really nice, subtle thread that runs through the food, drink, and design. Themes usually suck; this one doesn't.
Drinks aren't cheap. If you're a week from pay day, you may want to look elsewhere. However, if it's payday, head on in for a treasure trove of a menu. I don't drink beer, but it looks like a good selection. There is a great selection of wines on offer (me and my regular friend here do have a favourite!). However, it's the cocktails that really impress. There is a wide range of well known cocktails, done really well and an inventive menu of new "found" cocktails. In the couple of years that the venue has been open, it has become well known for it's impressive and inventive cocktails. I really recommend you give them a try.
With all the effort on style and drinks, the food is probably a bit rubbish, right? Wrong. The menu isn't as extensive as the drinks menu, but the focus is on doing a set of things really well. I've not had a bad meal here and I think the selection is sufficient to keep most people happy, whether you like a pub favourite like fish and chips or bangers and mash, or something a little up market like scallops and chorizo. It's no Michelin star, but it is always well cooked.
The service here is also great. The bar is often busy. If you're going straight from work, be prepared to queue, this place is popular. But the staff have got the skill to manage a bar queue; you don't have to stand there eyeballing someone to get served before a person flashing their *ahem* assets. The restaurant team are also great; attentive, but not overly so, always happy to help and knowledgeable. You really can sit down, have your meal and not worry about anything else.
As an events venue, it works really well. I organised a 21st Birthday party here, and it was perfect. The team were able to cater for everything I asked them for and they really made the evening special. I have also eaten here for valentines day and again, I had a wonderful time. My date and I were able to have a really special evening together and it almost felt like we were the only people there.
Oh, there's also a secret room. I've yet to try it, but I look forward to doing so!
Overall, I think this place is great. It might cost you a night out elsewhere later down the line, but if you've got a few pennies spare on pay day, or if you want to do something special, I'd really recommend it read more