Address: 58 Kingsway, London WC2B 6DX

Telephone number: 02072695171

Website: http://www.allbarone.co.uk/

Date of visit: 7 July 2010

Approximate cost per head: All main courses around £10. Drinks around £3+

Comments on wine list/beer: Pretty comprehensive for a wine bar (or pub?)

Summary:

We were on our way to The Royal College of Surgeons and wanted a quick lunch somewhere. This one is right on the corner with Kinsway.

I have been to All Bar One (in several other locations – it’s a chain operated by Mitchells and Butlers) before but only for drinks. They all look the same with wooden tables and one or two sofas.

I was mildly surprised by this branch in Kingsway. To start with, its waitress service for both drinks and food – you can elect to get your own drinks at the bar and not pay a tip (at your discretion).

The food is chalked up on the board. There is also a menu. The food menu is essentially, burgers, fish and chips, cooked breakfast. In fact, there is a slant towards brunch.

For drinks, we had a pint of Estrella (£3.60), a glass of house merlot (£3.25) and an orange juice (£2).

For food, we had the tempura Cod and Chips (£8.95) and Egg Florentine (£4.95). The fish was fine so is the chips (not over salted) but I found the pea puree a bit bland. The tarter sauce was fine. The portions were pretty good size.

The overall bill was £22.75 which is very good value for money. I would definitely visit another one for a quick bite.

E