Metropolitan

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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.

Mull over the menu with a cocktail from the impressive selection – a Violet Lady with vodka, violet and elderflower liqueurs is sweet and refreshing. From the stylish downstairs bar, climb the spiral staircase to dine on the balcony, overlooking the shiny cobbles of the covered Merchant's Square, buzzing with the evening party crowd on weekends. Chicken and wild mushroom terrine is firm and tasty with a fresh apricot chutney, while king scallops are soft and gently cooked, served on a fennel purée with dramatic swirls of squid ink and saffron cream. Main courses are predominantly meaty and powerfully flavoured with limited options for a lighter dish – cuts of pork, venison and pheasant served with creamed potatoes and, generally, a rich fruit-infused jus. Even the vegetarian open lasagne is a rich dish, with a salty Roquefort cheese sauce, artichokes and sun-blushed tomatoes. A bar menu is available courtyard side offering snacks, salads, burgers and simpler main courses. There's a decent range of desserts but it is hard to resist a creamy Brandy Alexander cocktail to sip in the plush upstairs piano bar.

• High point: Delicious cocktails to start your meal in style
• Low point: Over zealous salting in the sauces