The Abbey Tavern (Bar, Restaurant)

There is something very familiar about The Abbey. Maybe it’s the rustic looking tables, the brown leather seating, the red brick walls. The metallic overhead piping and those hanging circular lampshades all lend a slightly disconcerting feel of All Bar Oneness. But that’s where the similarities end.

At the far end of the bar, there is a separate dining room which leads to an outside garden area. There is even more space upstairs, including a roof terrace and small shisha-type den for peaceful retreat. While rather bland in appearance, the potential for variation in private hire certainly exists.

The rustic element is most successfully expressed in the selection of Belgian beers which includes Leffe blond/brun, Duvel and the excellent 9% Chimay Blue. Added to this come a concise range of simple and well presented cocktails including the bar’s very own ‘Abbey Monk’ - a sweet and creamy ensemble of Bailey’s, brandy, kahlua, Frangelico and cream with a brown sugar base. As with the core cocktails, the wines are similarly unceremonious, with an original list of recommendations to accompany dessert.

The goats cheese spring roll with sun-dried tomatoes and balsamic dressed salad was exceptional. Otherwise, the menu retains the glorified predictabilities of sub-standard, chunky wedge-oriented gastro-grub: (the home-made burger, while generously priced at £6.50, is too understated as an ambassador of the Abbey’s potential).

With live music on Thursdays through most of the weekend, the main room is suitable for any hour of the day, with its fine assortment of Belgian beers, flat screen TV in the far corner and diligent floor and bar staff. The Abbey’s real appeal, however, are the more discreet and suggestive locations elsewhere in the building....read more