A great option for some fun with friends.
OUR VERDICT
All Bar One
In a town blessed with no shortage of bars and restaurants, All Bar One Guildford continues to carve out its place as a reliable destination for those seeking quality cocktails, sociable dining and a lively atmosphere.
Positioned prominently on North Street, the newly revamped space occupies the sweet spot between stylish cocktail lounge and approachable neighbourhood bar, making it equally popular with shoppers, office workers and weekend visitors.
There are, of course, drinks choices aplenty with an extensive wine list - and authoritative staff who can guide you on the best to fit palate and budget.
But one of the bar’s most popular offers is its cocktails featuring an extensive menu that balances familiar classics with contemporary creations, each mixed with consistency and presented with care. We went for the Long Island Iced Tea, which had just the right blend of spirit and mixer for a very warm July evening.
It is worth looking out for the cocktail promotion, which sees two selected cocktails for £15 from Sunday to Friday after 4 pm.
The food follows the same social philosophy. Rather than large individual portions, the menu favours tapas-style sharing plates designed for conversation as much as consumption.
All Bar One
It is a pretty extensive menu and includes staples such as crispy buttermilk chicken; garlic king prawns; and halloumi fries - always a crowd-pleaser.
The broad selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes ensures nobody at the table feels like an afterthought, and ordering several plates creates a varied meal that feels relaxed rather than rushed.
My guest and I opted for a four-plate mix, and there was plenty. The Baked Feta, hot honey, piquillo peppers and khobez flatbread was fantastic, as was the Salt & Pepper Calamari.
As I am a vegetarian, we were able to find something for both of us, with my friend opting for the Harissa Chicken Skewers while I tucked into the Hummus.
There are bigger plates available too, including a good choice of burgers, alongside fish & chips, and salads.
We finished with a Popcorn Chocolate Brownie and a Sticky Toffee Rum Pudding which were melt-in-the-mouth delicious.
All Bar One
Inside, the restaurant is contemporary with modern furnishings, warm lighting and an upbeat soundtrack. Large windows overlooking North Street lend the space an openness, and there are a couple of outdoor tables ideal for people watching.
Service is another area where All Bar One performs consistently well. Staff were really welcoming, knowledgeable about both the food and drinks menus and managed to achieve a balance of attentiveness without being intrusive.
While the brand has been around a while, All Bar One is well worth revisiting. It succeeds by delivering exactly what its customers expect and want, blending affordability with great choice. All Bar One Guildford is one of the town’s most enjoyable places to gather with friends over good food and even better drinks.
For more details, including information on Bottomless Brunch, Tapas Tuesdays and much more, head to: allbarone.co.uk/national-search/south-east/all-bar-one-guildford
