Big Slope

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2009 – in the shops now or buy online.

With its quirky Alpine décor complete with antlers, pictures of mountain scenes and fake stove – this small basement bar is a favourite with nearby office workers by day and a studenty crowd at night. The menu is not extensive, but, aside from the usual club sandwiches and pizzas, slightly surprising – how many bars occasionally use rabbit as an ingredient? The attention to ingredients and preparation makes it clear they take their food seriously, though it’s perhaps not the place for a full three-course feast as their starter and dessert choices are sparse. Among the mains, though, a fine steak is appropriately juicy and tender, served with a pile of thin crispy fries and salad. Fiery Italian sausages, full of flavour, come with a warm and satisfying tomato and red onion jus, piled on a sweet potato mash; encouragingly, they’re able to identify the specific supplier. The classic fish and chips are simple, but fresh and filling, too, with a light, airy batter surrounding nicely flaking fish. It’s an informal place, with a laidback vibe, and the outdoor tables are popular in the summer. In the colder months, they serve warming fondues, either a mixture of cheeses or meat for dipping into sauces, which are fun to share.

• High point: Cosy and cool atmosphere
• Low point: Big screen football can be annoying