The Drum & Monkey

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops. This review is taken from the 2007 edition.

Part of the Mitchells & Butlers group of pubs and bars, this bustling city centre venture enjoys a prominent position where St Vincent and Renfield streets meet. Popular during weekdays with workers from nearby offices, at weekends with shoppers, and then in the evenings with an older crowd, the Drum & Monkey is rarely quiet. Occupying a beautiful old building with the original cornicing intact, the large space is broken up into mezzanine areas surrounding the main floor, which is dominated by a large, curved wooden bar. The menu is not particularly remarkable. For example, a trusty favourite of burger and chips is as good as you might expect from any chain pub, but little more. Still, the selection is decently priced and comes in generous portions. A pint of succulent little prawns, served with bread, butter and a lemon wedge, arrive in their shells. Expect a sirloin steak to be properly cooked to order, served with chunky chips, onion rings, mushroom and tomato. There is a separate dining area available for functions and a buffet once a month.

• High point: Traditional pub in the heart of the city
• Low point: Somewhat cold chips