Charlotte Street Blues Bar

What was a branch of Jamie’s has been transformed into a laid-back music venue dedicated to the blues in all its forms. Crowds come here to chill, take in the sounds or jitterbug on the dance floor to ‘krazy kat’ swing; the up-for-it punters – from 18 to 81 – are an energetic lot. To drink, there are ice-cold brews by the bucket, reasonably priced wines, margaritas & that belle of the South – mint julep, served in traditional metal cups (from £5.50, depending on which one of over 80 bourbons you call). The 1920s Americana of the basement pool bar suggests Norman Rockwell, while the casually served food comes with a Rhett Butler drawl: popcorn chicken, shrimp skewers, pulled pork stack, jambalaya, Mississippi mud pie. The place also opens on Sunday: praise the Lord for a soul food, ‘gospel’ brunch.