Smithy's, King's Cross  

A former blacksmiths, Smithy's proclaims itself to be a wine bar, but it's a bit more than that. Laid out across two rooms, a smaller bar area with cosy booths and the original cobbled floor, and a larger, more spacious area with tables. The food on offer is very good, with both a bar menu and a full bistro type menu offered. Brunch is available on the weekends, with rather fine roasts served on Sundays. The weekday lunch deals are excellent, and they're chips are definitely some of the best we've tasted. Still, they still stock a fine range of Britain's best crisps, Burt's to keep you going. But what you'll come here for is the drink. An extensive wine list is a given in a place like this, with plenty of fizz and no fewer than three rosés to choose from as well as a recent cocktail menu. But beers don't fall short of the mark either, with Sharp's Doom Bar hitting the spot on our last visit. The staff are friendly and attentive, which it has to be said is unusual around this area. The last few year's boom in the creative industries has seen a burst of new venues opening, many of which are really a triumph of style over substance. Smithy's is different. Try it: you're as welcome to come in for a pint and some crisps as you are for a bottle of vintage champagne and a three course meal.

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