Metropolitan

Swish cocktail bar and restaurant, with food from the grill and balcony views over Merchant Square.

The 2018/19 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £7.95 (+p&p).

Quite the picture of Merchant City chic, this place has been on the city’s cocktail scene for over a decade now. Entering into the main space, you’re met by a rather impressive indoor tree and many glowing bottles of spirits behind the bar. Past the cosy lounge – baby grand piano and all – then up the winding stairs, is the balcony restaurant which opens onto Merchant Square. This lends an open, al fresco feel despite being well sheltered from the Scottish rains. There’s a range of menus including à la carte, afternoon tea and an early evening option. Food is focused mainly on meats from the grill such as steak, lamb, pork and venison. A sirloin comes juicy, with a grilled mushroom, rocket and parmesan salad and hand-cut Rooster chips. Don’t skip dessert either – try the Eton mess with smashed meringue bits or the rich triple chocolate mousse. You could even order an after-dinner drink to cap it off – it would be rude not to, after all.