Nick's review of J Sheekey

Four of us went to the oyster bar for a pre-theatre meal on Saturday – we were able to book in advance.

Had previously been to the restaurant several times and liked it ,so, given the restaurant was fully booked, we decided to try the oyster bar.

The menu is shorter than the main restaurant and the size of helpings about 2/3rds the size of the restaurant ,which worked well for a pre theatre event (not too heavy on the stomach!).

When we first arrived it was chaos (5.30pm) as lots of people were in the bar (and sitting at the bar) waiting for their tables in the restaurant to come available (restaurant opens at 5.30 pm). It took a few minutes to get any proper attention but once the crowd disappeared the service was friendly and efficient. Food (crab, fish pie, calamari, cheese and crumble) was all to the usual high standard and the place had a very good and buzzy atmosphere.

We all enjoyed it and will certainly go again (not cheap at £200 for 4 all up inc. 2x bottles of wine) We were told that they always keep a number of places at the bar available for those who just drop in so when there is only two of us we will do just that!

We were at the theatre again the following week so my wife and I dropped in without booking and if anything the food was even better than the previous time ( I had the abroath smokey salad and Cornish stew). it is a very civilised place for a pre-theatre bite to eat if you dont want a full meal! i think it will be a regular haunt for us for pre-theatre visits