You know what you’re getting with All Bar One. Reasonably priced, good quality drinks set in an inoffensive environment. Popular with after-work drinkers, this is a good example of ABO getting it right.

The Venue
Part of the popular nationwide chain, the Houndsditch branch of All Bar One is no exception to the high-spec, if a little cold, design that you’ll find in any of its branches across London.

This particular bar is a large, airy venue with ground and basement floors offering plenty of room to spread out. The basement is used mainly for private functions and as a spill over area during busy periods. On the ground floor there is some attractive artwork that adorns the width of one wall, making the most of the impressive space. There are plenty of seating areas to choose from with chairs, stools and comfortable leather benches; so whether you’ve arrived as part of a couple or group there will be something suitable for your requirements. Blackboards are placed in strategic places to inform you of the food available. None of it’s groundbreaking, but it is a decent example of All Bar One getting it right.

The Atmosphere
With modern jazz music playing delicately in the background, a warm and friendly atmosphere welcomes you inwards. With a busy lunchtime and after work clientele there is a buzzy feeling that is synominous with establishments such as this. All Bar One is never going to offend, the carefully thought out, easy on the eye decor assures it. Based as it is in The City the crowd tends toward the suits of the area, kicking back with a glass of wine.

The Drink
As expected, there is a vast array of wine available at All Bar One, all well-priced and handily arranged into sub-headings such as classic, bold and distinctive with a brief outline of each category. Admirably, most of the wine is available by both the glass and the bottle. There is also a varied choice of lager and cider on tap, plus speciality coffees and teas.

The Last Word
With a well-stocked bar, decent menu and easy-on-the-eye decor, there’s little wonder the All Bar One chain has been so successful. This City branch is no exception.

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