Citation

Neo-classical columns front Citation's split-level form, which contains a ground-floor tavern and more opulent dining room upstairs.

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Citation occupies one of the Merchant City’s grandest Victorian buildings – the former Sheriff Court – and crossing the threshold of the magnificent neo-classical facade feels like it should lead to a glamorous, special-occasion evening. It comes as a surprise then that the restaurant majors on a bargain ‘market menu’ at just £14.95 for two courses and a glass of wine or beer, available till 9pm (6.15pm on Saturday), and that the food tends to be no-nonsense, somewhat old-fashioned favourites like prawn cocktail, roast beef, fish and chips and breast of chicken. It’s a formula that works for many shoppers, visitors and loyal locals, ensuring the place is particularly busy in the early evening. With two smart bars stocked with a huge range of gins and whiskies, a killer cocktail list and a good line in champagne and prosecco, the glamour's more evident on the liquid side of the business than the hearty, dependable food.