The Engine Room

You'll find this striking venue right in the heart of the city centre, where exposed brick and steel beams create the kind of industrial atmosphere that feels effortlessly cool rather than try-hard. The kitchen turns out solid modern British fare with enough creativity to keep things interesting, while the bar team knows their way around a proper cocktail shaker. The evening crowd tends to be a mix of pre-theatre diners heading to the Empire and couples making a proper night of it. Service strikes that sweet spot between attentive and relaxed, and the portion sizes won't leave you planning a chippy stop on the way home. It's the sort of place that works equally well for a business lunch or a Saturday night catch-up with mates.