All Bar One, Harrogate

In March the All Bar One chain arrived on Parliament Street in Harrogate. They probably saw a big gap in the market as there really isn't anything of this class in the centre of the town.

I had heard mixed reviews about this stylish bar come restaurant before our visit, some good, some indifferent, which I put down to it only just being opened. So there were bound to be little things that needed to be put right. I am happy to say from our visit it was a huge success.

Our visit took place on a busy early Saturday tea time: the buzz and atmosphere takes you in as soon as you enter this upmarket trendy bar and restaurant.

The decor is contemporary with the style of lighting that seems to be in fashion at the moment.

You can eat and sit wherever you wish at the All Bar One but I would recommend moving towards the back of the building where you can sit in a cosy booth and it is not as crowded.

If you visit on a sunny day there is a sun terrace too, that is a sun trap from mid afternoon onwards and has some padded seating.

There is a lot of staff who all appear to be well trained and come from all over the world. Our very friendly server, Rhiannon was from Australia whilst the chefs in the open plan kitchen come from Poland, Hungary and Harrogate.

As you would expect there is a very comprehensive wine, cocktails and craft beers list. On Sunday to Thursday from 5pm onwards there is the Five O'Cocktails available for £4.95. Also within this period they have a fixed price menu - any two courses are £10.00. Breakfast is also served until midday.

We shared a Stonebaked Garlic Flatbread which came topped with rocket and hard cheese. On its own I found it a little salty, but with the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing it tasted much better. Good to see a jug of water placed on the table within minutes of us sitting down.

There are about 8 different Burger options on the menu along with a make your own, but we chose something off the main plates menu where dishes start from £8.50.

Inevitably there is always going to be something that you do not like which is mixed in with your meal, but if you want it without something that is not a problem: I requested my Chicken Burrito without crushed avocado whilst my partner requested her Pad Thai without free range eggs and peanuts.

My chicken burrito was delicious, the black beans, spiced peppers, Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream all blended together, whilst my partner's Pad Thai was made fresh, presented well and served piping hot.

Desserts of Bourbon Pecan Pie served with Cinnamon ice cream along with my partner's Baked Sicilian Lemon Cheesecake were of a high standard just like the rest of the meal.

Hot coffee was served alongside a small glass of Smarties - a novel idea.

Our fellow diners seemed to be in the age range anywhere from 20 to 60. It was nice to be among a crowd of like minded people - this is another reason to visit this welcoming addition to the Harrogate casual dining scene.

After 7pm on a Friday and Saturday they have a resident DJ who plays a set that he tries to fit in with the clientele. He seemed to be on a late 70's early 80's trip during our visit.

Think Give Me The Night (George Benson), Rock with You (Michael Jackson) and Smooth Operator (Sade) and you will get an idea of the vibe.

The booths I mentioned earlier seem to be very popular and it would probably be best to reserve one of these if visiting during a busy period.

Good friendly service, quality food and a modern upmarket feel. Highly enjoyable and would visit again.

All Bar One, 17-23 Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2QU
Telephone 01423 226132
www.allbarone.co.uk