It has been a long while since I set foot in a Revolution bar – having been put off simply by living practically next door to one for several years.

Having said that, there was no real reason for shunning the popular lounge/bar as it was always a perfectly pleasant place to relax, complete with its plush leather settees, a tasty menu for food and the allure of dozens of flavoured vodkas and colourful cocktails.

Well, that is certainly how I remember the bar in Wolverhampton, and I decided it was time to try a more modern bar, in Walsall, having recently settled for the more traditional-style venues with their admirable period features and pleasant old-school design.

I found that the Bridge Street venue is decked out in a similar vein to all of the chain’s other outlets – stylish, surprisingly inviting and warm, as well as being spotlessly clean.

Normally, you don’t really want to wait very long on your lunch break but with an offer that gives you a free meal if it’s not served within 15 minutes you can feel yourself willing the staff to take their time.

I ordered the Revolution goulash, £5, and decided to be sensible and have a pint of Carlsberg shandy, £3.15, as it was a lunchtime.

The goulash sounded very tasty served with a selection of root vegetables and dumplings.

Lightning fast, the food appeared almost as quickly as I’d ordered it. I was very hungry so dived in immediately, the tender beef melting in my mouth.

It wasn’t until I neared the end of my meal that I realised my dumplings had failed to turn up. I had been robbed!

Not to worry though because it was a very generous helping which could only be improved by adding a dash more sauce.

The menu was surprisingly good but this dish had caught my eye when I checked out on the bar’s website (www.revolution-bars.co.uk).

I have to say that I didn’t really have any complaints.

There was a nice, relaxed atmosphere and the tasty food was served quickly. Perfect for a lunchtime or after-work snack.

ADDRESS
Revolution, Bridge Street, Walsall
Tel: 01922 627640

By Lee Perry