Chains are commonly criticised for lacking character and being overpriced. This All Bar One proves that this doesn't have to be the case.

The Venue
All Bar One Regent Street is a stone's throw from Oxford Circus tube station - perfect for shoppers and tourists alike. From the outside, this bar looks like most of the others in the chain; there's a sign made up of simple gold lettering, plain outside metal tables and chairs and a few bushes to make sure people aren't sat right on the street.

Once inside, it's indicative of the chain, too; a giant All Bar One clock hangs above the bar, blackboards are dotted around the space, a selection of high and low wooden seating fills the floor and a huge bar displays the large selection of wines they offer. This is definitely a chain, but it's by no means unpleasant.

The Atmosphere
As with all central venues, this All Bar One is busy pretty much all of the time - shoppers and tourists tend to pop in for a bite to eat or a coffee throughout the day and those workers who fly by for office drinks make the bar busier after about 6pm.

In the evening, it's not the best place to head to if you're wanting to have a chat over dinner and drinks as you may not be able to hear each other, although the music does encourage you to get up and dance. As with most chains, the music played is generic pop and RnB. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the drinks they're serving.

The Food
The food at this All Bar One is actually really good for a chain. The portions are of a decent size and there's a reasonable selection for meat eaters and good tapas dishes for veggies and those not looking for a heavy meal. Priced at the £4-£5 mark, they're great value for money.

One of the best tapas dishes is the spinach and artichoke dip served with warm pitta (£4.40). The dip is nicely creamy but not overly rich, and the spinach and artichoke are cooked and softened so they melt in the mouth. The pitta is well-toasted but not over crispy. It's also a reasonably sized dish considering the price.

There are also a selection of Big Plates (priced between £5.95-£9.95). These are meant to be lunch and dinner-sized portions. Whilst some dishes, such as the steak dishes, are undoubtedly large enough to leave you feeling really stuffed, others aren't and it seems odd that they're all placed under this category. The crispy duck and cucumber salad (£6.50), while really tasty, is a little overpriced for the portion size. The duck is delicious - it's nice and crispy but not overly fatty and greasy and the salad gives a refreshing edge to the taste. The dish is served with a soya and ginger dressing, which subtly complements the dish but isn't too overpowering.

The skewers are a great option if you're a veggie as the main courses don't cater for non-meat eaters. The halloumi skewer (£7.50) is delicious. The perfectly roasted peppers, courgettes and onions go well with the not-to-salty grilled halloumi. A sweet pepper and olive dressing sweetens the dish. Each skewer comes with an accompaniment and the roasted organic beetroot served hot with peppers, courgettes and red onions is ideal. The beetroot is sweet and succulent and not vinegary, and the peppers and courgettes sit nicely alongside this. Surprisingly, the skewer is a big enough dish to leave you satisfied.

The menu isn't big on desserts and there are two available on the menu - a melted chocolate fondant cake with clotted cream and bite size waffles with maple syrup. Both are priced at a reasonable £3.90. The melted chocolate fondant cake is an unusual but tasty after-dinner treat. The fondant cake is a nice consistency and isn't too biscuit-like and the melted chocolate inside – while it could be a little warmer – isn't too sweet. The clotted cream goes really well with the dish.

The Drink
There are around 14 white wines on offer, 14 reds and 3 roses, plus a selection of Champagnes, priced from £5.95 for a small glass of Moet and Chandon NV Brut to £100 for a Dom Perignon. The venue offers five house wines (four white, one red) and they start at just £1.95 for a small glass of the promotional Pinot Grigio and the Australian Chiraz.

The Fiano white wine (£14.95 a bottle) is a refreshing and fruity easy-to-drink medium-dry wine with a touch of spice that complements most dishes on the menu. The beer selection is just as good as the wine – there are around 12 beers and ciders available on draught and around the same amount of bottles. Draught beer includes Guinness, Heineken, Peroni, Amstel and London Pride, as well as Duvel Green Draught and Aspall Suffolk Cider. There’s an adventurous and unique selection of bottled beers including Leffe Blonde, Cusquena, Kasteel Cru and Meantime Chocolate. Heineken, being the house beer, is priced at just £2.50 a pint. The bar also has a lot of spirits on offer.

The Last Word
It might be a chain, but with a well-stocked bar and tasty, value for money food, this All Bar One is a winner. Appreciate it for what it is.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (3)