Beating the hangover, All Bar One-style

Review by Toby Gregory

SUNDAYS need not be a struggle anymore!!

After a heavy night out, there is often nothing better than soaking up all the booze and illegal chemicals floating around your system with a hearty fry up.

However, as I have found out all too often, that which started as a good idea, soon turns into disaster with the rubbish you are then served.

"If you want a gourmet meal, then go to a f**king restaurant. Don't turn up here," I was told two weeks ago by one particular café owner as I stared, stunned, at the roadkill which they put before me.

So last Sunday (October 27, 2002), I remembered his words and, struggling for cash shortly before pay day, decided to visit All Bar One in Twickenham for some nosh.

Having only ever consumed alcohol in this establishment before I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but after a quick inspection of the menu, I was pleasantly surprised.

You can order a wide range of food, from Club Sandwiches to Chilli Nachos and Ceasar Salad. Price-wise, the food isn't too expensive, with mains costing around £7, and the portions respectable. I settled for the House Burger, which came with salad and fries.

I then sat down on a huge sofa and vegged out, waiting for my food to arrive. And I have to say, it was great; the atmosphere was chilled (completely different to how it is in the evenings) and the food was served quickly and tasted delicious.

Feeling sated, I then did what I love to do most on a Sunday. Disected the Times. Carefully reading each section with the exactness of a military operation. I could have been at home. No noise, no one disturbing you.

I was left with the overall opinion that All Bar One is a great place to hang out on a Sunday, offering a wide variety of drinks and a good selection of food on the menu that is definitely worth a try if you are hungry.

If you're suffering from the night before and can't face going home, then it's nice just to be able to go and lounge about in, especially if it is nearly empty.

The young bar staff are very friendly and talkative, but if you don't want to be disturbed, you can just sit and unwind.