Bar Soba

The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.

The stylish City Centre branch of Bar Soba attracts a cosmopolitan mix of shoppers sipping wine, pre-clubbers enjoying unusual cocktails and diners looking for contemporary Asian food. All rub shoulders with ease as the bar area, with subdued lighting and a small array of funky seats, is separated from the dining area by the long glass bar. With no deviation in the menu at either location; sushi, tempura and Thai salad dominate the starters, for a more unusual flavour combination, start with salt and pepper squid – crisp and full of garlic, chilli and spring onion. Mains include the Japanese classic of chicken katsu curry – chicken strips are crisp and light, although the accompanying sauce could have deeper flavour and more punch. However, excellent lunch deals, all-night pre-theatre offers and student discounts keep the venue ticking over, while decent midweek drink offers keep the bar area buzzy all night.

• High point: Unusual yet delicious cocktails
• Low point: Menu can lack flavour variety