The Standard

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

The Standard offers a pleasantly mixed setting – smooth banquettes, high mirrors and cosy lighting give off an air of relaxed chic, while the wide-screen televisions tuned to the sports channel ground the place in reality. During the Six Nations Championship, the pub is filled with rugby fans munching the free pies generously doled out by the staff. The Standard has a wide range of spirits, whiskies and beer and also offers a wine/malt/cocktail of the month. The pub opens early and offers meals all day, including breakfast. Forget about the traditional Scottish breakfast: this place offers tasty options of eggs Benedict, Florentine or Pacifico. The a la carte menu is also quite palatable: a fragrant French onion soup has a large cheese crouton in the middle, which sops up the salty broth. Folds of Scottish salmon and capers doused with lemon oil are another likeable starter. For mains, fat tiger prawns hide in firm linguine, doused in a creamy coriander sauce. Only the American-style waffles are slightly disappointing: the grids easily soak up the chocolate sauce. But the heartening atmosphere can make this pub a favourable choice for any night of the week, and especially during any live sporting event.

• High point: A good balancing act of drink and food
• Low point: Can be a bit 'laddish'