All Bar One

I’m not usually a fan of chains but All Bar None seems to be a chain with consistently high standards. They stock a wide range of bottled and barrel beers, ales and spirits but the real star of the show is their extensive wine list. Rather than opting for the usual dry or sweet wines, they have over 30 bold and distinctive bottles of new world white, red and rose. You can order a whole bottle to share with a friend or opt for a single 175ml or 250ml glass. I’m always tempted to order my favourite champagne — Laurent Perrier Rose — but at £65 a bottle I usually opt for the Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon or Love Grass D’Arenberg Shiraz instead!
If you start to get hungry, All Bar None also offer a quick and tasty menu of flame-​grilled burgers, meat and vegetable skewers, hot sandwiches, fish and chips and tapas. The service is excellent and although it can get busy around 5pm when everyone leaves work and heads for the nearest pub, it’s usually gently busy rather than bustling.
I would have given it an extra star if it wasn’t for the fact I’ve visited the Edinburgh branch on George Street and was blown away by the building and atmosphere. In comparison, this location and atmosphere is a bit too office-​orientated. The coffee is also appalling but then, I wouldn’t expect anything less from Costa coffee beans.

You’ll probably class this as your average ‘trendy’ or ‘suits’ bar — located on King Street surrounded by high-​end fashion stores and designer label shops, it draws a certain crowd and can come off as being a bit pretentious and snobby. That aside there is a fantastic range of drinks, I am always impressed by a place that sells Sailor Jerry rum and Kastel Kru lager — as these beverages are rare. Can get quite busy on Friday and Saturday evenings but at other times can look pretty dead. A good meeting place for a night out, although you can probably find somewhere else cheaper and more comfortable.

After work meeting place for office bods. Serves food. If you like wearing a suit and talking about carol from marketing then this is the place for you