The Salisbury Bar

Three of us arrived a bit early for a birthday lunch and wondered if making our booking had been necessary in the otherwise empty restaurant. How wrong we were as the room filled gradually over the next half hour.
First things first we discussed a choice of wine at which point the waiter approached bearing the bottle of sangeovese he’d overheard us mention — nice anticipation.
Laying the a la carte aside we chose from the lunch menu. Two of us went for the small plates selection, my veggie friend picking the roquefort and beetroot arancini and the halloumi fritters. I doubled up with the arancini adding chili and lime squid and a portion of hand cut chips to share. The birthday girl chose the soup of the day, Thai red pepper, and battered fish and chips.
Everything that should be crisp was crisp and everything that should be smooth was smooth and it all tasted delicious. Special mention for the garlic rich aoili and the caper laden tartare sauce.
Like other reviewers I remember Cookies but not quite so fondly having had a couple of less than successful experiences. The Salisbury is a completely different beast, more refined, stylish all blonde wood and gorgeous upholstery. Look forward to my next visit.