Baranis
115 Chancery Lane WC2A
baranis.co.uk
Tube: Chancery Lane
The scene: One of two Provence-inspired venues (with Cigaon, the restaurant upstairs), this is an intimate exposed-brick bar, dramatic by virtue of its vaulted cellar space and discreet, with booths wedged into the arches. An indoor gravel petanque court is an awesome ice breaker for dates.
The grub: An assortment of charcuterie and cheese and an excellent pissaladière, the Provençal onion pizza.
Behind the bar: Herbilicious! The drinks list harnesses the region’s select aperitif, pastis, with eight brands of the anise-flavoured tipple. Refreshingly, it’s sprigs of rosemary and thyme, rather than mint, muddled in its distinct cocktails.
Bill please: Food hovers around £3-5 per plate, cocktails £7 and wine about £4 a glass.
Verdict: Magnifique! A superb little hideaway.
4/5
– Rebecca Kent
