Reviewed
01/04

Named after the owners' grandchildren So and Jo (their ridiculously cute photos appear at either end of the drinks menu), this new bar-eatery combines the chic with the comfortable and cool drinks with great food.

SoJo's is tucked neatly between The Bridge nightclub and the Backpackers Hostel on Hythe Bridge Street and definitely brings some much needed class to the area. You walk straight into the main bar area which is low lit and sultry in appearance, with a sexy modern bar and some sexy little cocktails to go with it. )Try the SoJo MoJo, it's a beautifully boozy number.) In addition to the anticipated heady mixes they offer a range of alcohol-free cocktails so the drivers amongst us aren't restricted to coke or o.j. - thank goodness.

The restaurant area is situated just behind the bar and although the drinks, service and atmosphere are all lovely, it's the food that has my friends and me going back on a weekly basis. Choose Dim Sum and you and your table can pick through a selection of yummies; our special recommendation is the pork buns. Choose 1 or 2 trips to the Mongolian Grill and you have a choice of chicken, pork, beef or squid main dish. Then add a selection of vegetables, your own special blend of sauces and watch a chef cook it in front of you. 1 trip to the buffet comes with rice and costs just £4.50!! 2 trips and you'll be asking for a takeaway box to put the leftovers in. This is a GREAT value meal option.

If you want to something a bit different, two or more of you could order a Hot Pot - you'll have to go and find out just how good this is - it's too much fun and too delicious to describe, but suits vegetarians as well as meat/fish eaters. And finally there is the main menu. Stuffed with soups, mains and specials, I haven't tried it all yet, but so far the only thing I've heard near a complaint was regarding the Sezchuan Chilli Chicken (and that was only because my daft friend ate some of the chillies - don't they know they are there to flavour the food, not to be wolfed down!). I've been there with both fussy eaters and bottomless pits and everyone so far has loved it - we especially enjoy the way that the staff are not in a hurry to get rid of you once you've eaten. I can whole-heartedly recommend SoJo's - get there and eat something, soon.

Jo Braithwaite