Adams Rib is the very epitome of a tourist trap. However, the food is okay and the prices aren’t too hiked up, which is a big thumbs up for somewhere like this.

The Venue
Adams Rib is in the heart of London’s tourist centre on Shaftesbury Avenue, and it looks like any one of hundreds of other touristy spots. The decor is quite old fashioned with lots of wood, high-backed red chairs sat around gleaming tables, red curtains in the windows, flashes of foliage and a nondescript red carpet. Yup, it’s red. It feels soulless and all a bit dull but then what do you expect from this area of London? This is not the kind of place that prioritises repeat visits over people traffic.

The Atmosphere
A cynic would think that the staff try so hard because they know that tourists tip better than us Londoners, but that would be a harsh observation. The staff are friendly, quick and they seem genuinely chirpy – and not annoyingly so. It certainly adds some kind of atmosphere to Adams Rib, which would otherwise suffer from the transient nature of the clientele: tourists - lots of them.

The Food
Yes the food is pure stodge, but it’s actually relatively tasty and well-priced. A starter of garlic bread with cheese (£4.49) literally drips with grease but the cheese is mature and boasts a pleasant creamy tang, whilst the garlic is rather potent. And it’s a greasy theme that continues with the loaded potato skins (£5.79), with more of that tangy cheese and some rather gristly, but nicely salty, bacon.

If you want to ensure your arteries are fully blocked by the end of the meal, then round it off with a classic burger (£9.49). The burger patty is a little small and lacklustre but the bun is well toasted and crisp, but the lashings of mayonnaise do hide what flavour there might be in the crisp lettuce or huge beef tomato. Add coleslaw and greasy (yet crisp) chips and you have a stodgy, satisfying and easy dinner.

And, given it's name, you have to try the ribs. The baby back pork is actually surprisingly good and has been slowly marinated in, and covered with, a sweet but smoky barbecue sauce. At £14.49 for a full rack it’s more than enough food to feed a small army, especially when you throw in the mayonnaise-laden coleslaw and more of those greasy chips. Yes, you’ll be working out for a month after dinner here.

The Drink
A handful of wines fail to inspire, but they are cheap with all of them priced below £18. Strangely, they offer Smirnoff Ice – what better to follow ribs? – and the bottled beer selection is dull, with just Stella, Bud and Corona available. The soft drinks are overpriced at £2.30 for a Coke so it’s best to go with the calorie-nightmare and opt for an ice cream shake for £3.69.

The Last Word
Easy grub for tourists.

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