Southern Eleven (CLOSED)

Southern Eleven is in the heart of Spinningfields, though it’s not quite as glitzy or glamorous as certain other restaurants in the area. It doesn't need to be. Inside you’re surrounded by young professionals, families, first-daters and regulars. It’s a crowd pleaser, one where everybody fits in.

Situated above street level, it has a fantastic outdoor seating area, while inside there's a cool cocktail bar and an open kitchen that serves the restaurant. Its stylish interior and modern decor are offset by rustic Deep South touches, such as the names of the Dixie states carved subtly into the walls.

Cocktails make up the bulk of the drinks menu with a wide selection including classics, mocktails, sharing cocktails and, for those hoping to unleash their inner Tom Cruise, there’s the ‘shake your own' selection.

Being a southern American joint there's inevitably lots of barbecue going on. The locally sourced meat is coated in a house rub before being slow smoked for up to 20 hours.

Popular starters include deep-fried pickle spears and spicy mini hotdog sausages. Main courses naturally include barbecued meat and lots of it, but there are the ever-popular burgers, too. You can opt for a trio of sliders with all the fixings, fries and ‘slaw or go big with the 100 percent rump option, wherein a flame-grilled patty is topped with tomato, onion, lettuce and BBQ mayo.

For those with a big appetite, Southern Eleven runs regular ‘Man vs Food’-style extreme eating challenges. These include the ‘Monster’, a 20oz burger topped with American cheese, lettuce, onion and pickles, served with a sea of skinny fries and ten suicide hot wings.