On a sunny Friday evening, our party of four headed to The Handle Bar on St Michael's Street for a long-awaited catch up meal. Upon arrival we scaled the stairs, were warmly greeted and given a choice of tables. We'd called ahead to book but probably didn't need to - there weren't many people dining yet but, feeling hungry and impatient, we had arrived early in the evening.

Sat by the window, we admired the view out over the street below as well as the view inside the restaurant. We'd been here for a post-graduation meal the year before and in a tired and tipsy haze hadn't noticed all the little details - the carefully placed lights, plants and trinkets - that give The Handle Bar its unique feel. There's also a healthy amount of bike-themed paraphernalia, though none of it feels over the top and the Picasso-esque bull head lights in their sister cocktail venue Le Bar downstairs are a particularly nice touch.

Throughout the evening we had a series of waiters take our orders and check on us, each as attentive and friendly as the last. It's not long after we've been given the menus to peruse that the first of the evening comes and takes our initial requests. Having seen another table happily tucking in to a plate of the sourdough bread with oil and balsamic dipping sauce, it was inevitable that we were going to order some to start. With bread, comes wine. Despite being tempted by the cocktails (something we later gave in to at Le Bar) we chose a light rosé that complemented the summer evening vibe.

While waiting for the above to arrive, we perused The Handle Bar's small but very well assembled menu. Their choices change seasonally and we were presented with lots of summer vegetables, light starters and fruity deserts, all with a North African or Mediterranean twist. I opted for the beetroot fritters, while one friend went for the pan-fried hake, and the other two for the harissa marinated lamb steak, plus an order of the smoky padron peppers and some chunky hand-cut chips as sides for us all to share. The vegan beetroot fritters arrived with an accompanying pearl barley, pepper and courgette salad, plus a deliciously fresh pesto. I was assured that the cauliflower tabouleh and tzatziki, and the kohlrabi & beetroot slaw that came with the lamb and hake respectively were fantastic, and can testify to the silence of the table while we all were consumed by our food. None of our mains were carb-heavy and we left feeling nicely full, definitely not like we'd overdone it.

We all had a lovely time on Friday evening, not just because of catch ups with good friends, but because The Handle Bar's atmosphere and food, aided by its wonderful staff, provided us with so much to enjoy.