The Bow Bar

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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.

With a policy of no music at any time and no television unless the rugby’s on, the Bow Bar is that ever-rarer establishment: a pub for the traditionalist. With a merry band of regulars, this is an old-style boozer in the heart of the city, and has much going for it. In particular, the range of 200 malt whiskies in stock at any time, alongside eight real ales (five of them guest) and 20 bottled beers. Wooden chairs, bunk seats and fixed tables provide a charming setting for a quiet drink alone or a night out in a group, and the bright bar’s become something of an after-show haunt for those older gig-goers among us: a welcome hang-out after the scrum of the Liquid Rooms up the road. For those who suggest a pub can’t live on alcohol alone, the Bow Bar has a little of the gastropub about it, too. £2 will get you a steak pie between noon and 2.30pm every day but Sunday.

• High point: Whisky heaven
• Low point: Last orders are early