Tokyo

Though somewhat hidden away, Tokyo is a little star of place and well worth seeking out. This three-floored venue has a quality missing from so many of the chain pubs that clutter the town centre: a personality of its own. Dinky chandeliers hang from the ceiling and neon coloured cushions are scattered around with abandon, while brick-walled booths are separated from one another by slatted blinds. It’s quirky and appealing to the eye, something especially true of the pretty little terrace with its ivy covered wall. The place has a nice buzz, with a smart, young-ish crowd lounging around the communal tables, enjoying a cocktail or two. Prices are fair, but on dice nights if you roll a six you get your drink for free. Neither the wine list nor the cocktail list is particularly long but they are decently compiled, and the latter containing a section of tiki drinks in fact, as of relatively recently, their refurbished basement room is devoted to all things tiki (or, as they would have it, ß-Polynesian cocktails in a voodoo snugß- a small, intimate space that’s a popular spot to book for private events). We’re particularly taken with the selection of iced teas (the mint and cucumber is deliciously refreshing) and the lavender and rose martini is a nice twist on the classic. They also offer cocktail making classes, if you want to learn some of the tricks of the trade. Thursday nights on the terrace are popular, when DJs are on hand to liven up the evening.