Please note, The Establishment has now closed. Time Out Eating & Drinking editors, May 2016.
A glance at the wine list is the first indication that this bar and restaurant is doing things differently. Wine flights are offered, together with a decent number of well-priced, well-chosen wines available by the glass. A changing selection of fine wines kept in tip-top condition in an enomatic system lets customers sample without having to buy the whole bottle.
Brown and beige retro wallpaper, faux-leather swivel armchairs and button-back banquettes provide a calm atmosphere by day, and a neutral background for musicians and cocktails by night.
Weekend brunches are very popular; the kitchen produces dishes with plenty of locally sourced ingredients, competently cooked.
We ordered white onion soup with cheese on toast, hanger steak with chips and béarnaise sauce, and bouillabaisse-style fish stew with saffron mayonnaise. Passion-fruit slice with buttermilk sorbet finished off a set lunch that was great value and thoroughly enjoyable. A daily changing evening menu makes the Establishment ideal for locals who want a regular haunt.