Have you ever wished you had an eclectic local hangout where you can drink great coffee, grab a muffin to go or enjoy a cookie over a cosy catch up on a couch with a friend?  Me too.

Although fictional, Central Perk always seemed like the most welcoming and happening hot spot for a caffeine fix and had it served a large glass of red, a cocktail and bite to eat, I imagine it would look like Piccadilly’s latest foodie offering, The QUARTER.

The QUARTER opened in December 2016 hot on the coat tails of Cultural Quarter favourites tsp, Rawr and Klay with a continental foodie agenda in the form of an all day deli bar.  Boasting an array of cocktails (including Prosecco) and plans up their sleeves for quirky themed evenings, live music and a vibe that’s just as suitable for celebrations  as much as it is for indulging in a steaming cup of coffee at 8am.

Saturday afternoons at The QUARTER are bustling.  There’s live piano entertainment for that La La Land feel over lunch (shame about the lack of Ryan Gosling) and you’re even welcome to keep your kids entertained for whilst you stop for a cuppa. With a selection of books board game or two to crack out if you fancy it and taking up a window seat to fashion yourself a make shift office is highly recommended.

It’s become my go to place to take friends, enjoy lunch or breakfast dates with Dan and following a day at the spa for my mums birthday, I booked a party of ten of us in to give their delicious looking platters a try accompanied by a couple of bottles of wine and their signature cocktails.

Their evening menu isn’t extensive but for me, that just adds to the charm and gives a more relaxed feel to the festivities.  Offering a European “tapas” feel with a variety of individual platters or to be ordered to share and a selection of sides (their nachos are delicious).  Whether you like seafood, Italian anti pasti or are veggie, the delicious platters are great value between £9-£13 and mixing and matching platters can give you table picnic of flavours.

Admittedly, I’ve fallen in love with The QUARTER, as if you couldn’t tell.

I love the purposely eclectic decor and furniture that feels like you’re dining in an extravagant aunts house and its eagerness to support local businesses such as the Regent Theatre by delivering cocktails themed to their latest shows is so endearing.

I’m all for the flexibility of an establishment that fills the bellies of a family post shopping or two girlfriends sharing a glass of wine mid afternoon because it’s been “one of those weeks” to then transform into a busy cosmopolitan bar come night is so refreshing and better yet, Josef the owner and his friendly and accommodating staff are always so welcoming.