The Arbiter

DanWilkinson

13th July 2007

4 found this helpful

Something of an oasis in the class desert that is North End Road, The Arbiter follows on from its predecessor, Meum Cor, with the main difference that this place stands a chance of being there in 6 months' time.

Friendly staff, a mouthwatering, serious cocktail list and what looks to me like a decent menu (haven't eaten there yet) all come together to make for a distinctly pleasant experience. Screenings on Sundays are just one more reason why I'll be back there again and again and again...

jameshaycock

My friendly local with great service 2nd April 2007

7 found this helpful

The Arbiter has been open for a few months now and has quickly become my favourite local.

Admittedly the competition for the accolade isn't too stiff. A Wetherspoons, called The Goose, normally features at least one sleeping career drinker and the smokey atmosphere is rarely welcoming. As for other pubs, I can't even think of their names.

From the outside, The Arbiter looks cool and that's the case when you head inside. One wall features exposed brickwork and a fine set of antlers while the back of the pub is clad in trendy wallpaper and has a number of chairs clustered around a fire.

The service is very friendly, apparently the owners have a history in hospitality and this shows. They are also very happy to say hello, offer advice on your choice of drink and are keen to get your feedback on the pub.

There are only 4 draught taps, two of which are ales. This might not be a wide enough selection for some, but I'm not particularly fussy about my choice of beer as long as it's a good one. The house wine, especially the red, is great and although I haven't explored it, there is a great selection of spirits too.

The food looks good and is reasonably priced. They do a wide selection of Somrgasboards which look like they would be great to share.

When I popped in yesterday, I noticed they are now showing a double bill of films on Sundays. Yesterday it was a Luc Besson double bill with Leon and Nikita being shown back to back at 12 and again at 5 in the upstairs room.

I was recently told that they will be opening a roof terrace in time for the summer so I think it may become my second home!