Banter

Refurbished bar, faming British/Scottish atmosphere. Haven't tried the food but had a couple of drinks with friends No complaints about the staff, I found them ok, although a neighbour to our table said that a few months ago his wife had to wait 40 min for her food to be served. I don't know if he was joking or not because I saw the staff working pretty fast with the customers' orders. Anyway, good place for an afternoon drink with a friend or 'a potential ex partner', as the sign says.

Banter is best described as a wasted opportunity. When the old Clachan bar was refurbished, it had the potential to be a welcome alternative to the various chain bars near Lothian Road. Banter aims for a retro stylish look but it doesn’t really work and just looks a bit tired and scruffy. They have also had an ongoing problem with their drains since opening which means that more often than not the bar has a very unpleasant smell! It is usually busy with the post-work crowd and it is nigh on impossible to get a seat in the evening. The food is also pretty poor, very inexpensive but of poor quality (on the one occasion I have eaten here I had a suspiciously chewy chilli con carne and my friend had a salad where most of the ingredients seemed to have gone off!). In short, it’s Ok for a work drink if you work very near by but I would avoid it if possible.

Banter on Fountainbridge is a nice addition to the other chain type bars in the area. Formerly known as The Clachan this pub has had a serious refurbishment in the last few years.

The interior is very modern with large leather sofas and plasma tv screens. There’s also a nice mix of old photos on the walls to keep the place from looking too overdone.

Bar staff were very friendly and happy to make suggestions at the bar when i was trying to order from their fairly decent wine list. There seem to be a fair few regulars who frequent this place, but they all seemed nice and added a little to the “banter” of the place.

i’ve not yet had the chance to eat here yet, but the menu certainly looked good value for money and it was fairly busy when i was there last.

” A place to meet potential ex partners ” Boasts the sign outside Banter and there is something about it that sets the amosphere for the place.

A recently refurbished pub in Fountainbridge next to the “Thorny Bauk” which tries to blend modern convience with rustic Charm. And fails. Big leather armchairs and wooden tables with cute candles placed upon them help to create a romantic setting. That is until you notice the 50 foot LCD screen on the back wall showcasing the very best in premier league football. The illusion is somewhat shattered.

Men outnumber woman by 10 to 1. Safety in numbers is always wise when approaching the bar unless you enjoy older men leering at you and commenting on your assets. The same can be said about going to the bathroom.

This place attracts a lot professionals due to its close proxmity to Morrison Street and trying to get a table between 5.30 - 7pm is a nightmare. They have a good wine list and food is cheap and cheerful but it’s attempts to be an upmarket bar are flawed.

If they got rid of the awful jukebox which seems to only play Donna Summer and The Feeling and showed old black and white films on their HUGE screen they might get closer to achieving goal.

I think there’s a good reason why you might meet potential EX partners!