36 ST. Andrews Street,
CAMBRIDGE,
CB2 3AR
01223 371081
The ViewCambridge Review
This outlet in the All Bar One chain is well-kept and has a good selection of drinks and a sociable atmosphere.
The Venue
All Bar One on Regent Street is just like any other All Bar One in the country. The chain has stuck to the same formula of simple decor + relaxed atmosphere = popular bar.
Wood is everywhere, from the floor to the furniture, and it adds warmth to the plain cream walls. There are a few random pieces of art and an antique large clock in the middle of the room, but other than that there is little detailing to add character.
The large bar is very spacious, with lots of room for tables and chairs to be piled up in every corner without making the place seem crowded, and the open-plan arrangement gives a feeling of space.
The People
As is typical of the chain, All Bar One is very popular with after work drinkers. The space and lack of fuss makes everyone feel comfortable to do as they please.
Customers flock in for the relaxing atmosphere with no hint of pretension yet somehow there's a touch of decorum about the place, which keeps the drunken louts out.
Students and young professionals enjoy this place as it has a more vibrant buzz than your typical pub yet it’s still not too lively to prevent a chilled out drink or few, especially in the day.
The Food and Drink
The drinks list is a little better than your average pub but still affordable. The wine is proudly displayed behind the bar, with small blackboards underneath each one showing off their grape, region, year and price.
The bottles vary in price, from £10 to £25 and encompass a good global range and a few high quality bottles. The cheaper wines are also still very drinkable.
For beer, at £3 to £4 a bottle, there is a choice of Aspalls, Estrelia, Kastel and Leffe, while on draught there is Staropramen, Peroni and Erdinger for around £3 a pint.
Simple cocktails are available, like Sangria to celebrate summer for £13 a pitcher, but also simple spirit and mixer combinations like martini rosso and pomegranate juice for £3.50.
Their menu includes a selection of salads and grilled skewers, hand-made burgers for about £8, toasted sandwiches, which go for around £6, and tapas, which is around £4 a dish.
The Last Word
A conventional chain bar with a dependable friendly vibe and a good selection of drinks that pleases most people.
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