Element

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

This review is taken from the 2012 edition.

This popular neighbourhood cocktail bar is just far enough off George Street to feel intimate, and attracts a varied clientele, from sports enthusiasts in for the big screens to post-work, cocktail-hungry young professionals. There’s the sense that it can’t quite decide what it wants to be: the trendy bar, flock wallpaper and leather seating say cocktail bar, but the food menu is pure pub. On the drinks list, the happily named Gin Salad is refreshingly full of cucumber and mint flavours, while Pomegranate Bliss is crisp with cranberry and fresh lemon. The food, however, is not what it could be. Fish-cakes are fine, but mini falafels on the mezze plate are cold and stodgy, tempura batter is heavy, and though the main dish of sole is perfectly cooked, it tastes rather stale. Desserts fare better, and include sticky toffee pudding and pear and cream soda crumble.

• High point: The warm and welcoming interior and lounge area sofas
• Low point: Food is, frustratingly, not as enticing