THE WATERING HOLE

QUAY ROAD, BARBICAN, PLYMOUTH, PL1 2JZ

This is a sophisticated pub and restaurant with an outdoor sheltered area for eating, charcoal grill nights and smoking. An ideal hot spot for both the young and old! By day, this is a perfect chill out place especially if it is a wonderful day with the sun shining and children can be accompanied by adults. The charcoal grill is great, especially the smell when you are walking around Sutton Harbour. It has a festive feel to it and they do hold regular events which includes the famous Jazz Festival. Food from the restaurant is good but a bit expensive for what you get in my own opinion. At night, they open till late and it is still a good meet up point and to socialise. The atmosphere is bustly... that's the word I would use.

Now for the more serious note:

*Prices... vary. The food is expensive but some drinks are reasonable. A WKD can be £4 or just a little bit under which to me is expensive. Fosters can be £2 something. No entry fee as it is a pub.

*Drinks... they do have a variety of different drinks, but no different to a normal bar.

*Facilities... could be improved. There are toilets for both men and women at either end of the pub but cisterns tend to be blocked up with mass amounts of toilet paper or there is no toilet paper left. On many occassions, flushes don't work and floors are slippery. The smoking area is under cover outside by a big marquee with heaters, tables, chairs and sofas which is windowed so you don't fall into the harbour!

*Access... is not aimed at wheelchair users, there are a few steps going into the establishment so it isn't ideal, plus the toilets are small.

*Staff... seem to give the impression that they are to do a job and nothing else. They don't try to start a converstaion with you or try to reply enthusiastically to you.

PROS: GOOD ATMOSPHERE AND WELL EQUIPPED SHELTER AREA

CONS: EXPENSIVE AND UNFRIENDLY STAFF

In my opinion, this is a nice place to go to just to chill or meet up but not to splash your cash or have a wild night out in.

Loz