Although it sounds like the suspicious surroundings where Coronel Mustard might be caught red-handed with the candlestick, but The Living Room is Bristol’s newest injection of glamour. A popular chain of bar/restaurants that are the pick of the famous in London and Manchester, we decided it was about time we smashed through the glass wall to check out what makes the The Living Room so special.

Situated in the new Harbourside development opposite Explore @ Bristol’s Planetarium, The Living Room is opulent and stylish. It hums rather than shouts old school sophistication, is unashamedly decadent and makes me reminiscent of a fabulous bygone and glamorous age, pre-credit crunch and Gordon Brown’s demise.

First impressions are everything and the staff here are gracious and attentive; service definitely comes with a smile. We are ushered from the bar with our pre-dinner drinks to survey the monthly menu at our table; glass, candle-light and dark wood are a great combination and the restaurant takes its place right at the very top of the high street with a menu to boot.

Culinary influences are broad and interesting with a focus on ‘Home Comforts’ – the much loved gastro pub flavour and an elegant European/global fusion; “dishes set to make an impression, yet simple with fresh ingredients expertly infused with flavours known, loved and trusted.” A mouth-watering prospect no?

We started with highland mussels steamed in a white wine and cream sauce (£5.75) which were exceptional, creamy and crisp without being too overbearing, a difficult dish to get right! My dining partner had Portobello mushrooms on toast with Hollandaise sauce (£4.85) which looked and tasted great but once you tucked in, the ascetics were ruined!

Main course was a delight, the 21-day aged fillet steak with mash, grilled tomato and roast Portobello mushroom (£20.95) was cooked perfectly; a juicy, rich and tender piece of meat served with peppercorn and fresh vegetables, perfectly al-dente. I opted for the pan-fried sea bass (£15.95) which was cooked beautifully and served with a French vegetable and chorizo cassoulet.

The food at The Living Room is great quality, the decor fabulous, it’s extremely fashionable and is perfectly pitched as a high-end gastro pub; elegant and stylish but not too pompous! I think it’s perfect for Bristol, it’s about time that gap was filled.

www.thelivingroom.co.uk