The decor of Bar Bola has some individual flourishes, and has required some effort, but you wonder who put the effort in since the place seems run by lazy layabouts.

The Venue
Bar Bola has some elaborate decor inspired by Maori, primeval designs, which are transposed into the 21st century thanks to bent metal and irregularly shaped tree branches going from the wall to the ceiling. Rippled metal and bent wood chairs continue the theme. Even the upholstery has an irregular shape and everything here, including the wooden floor, looks quite organic. Bar Bola is a distinctive looking bar.

The People
The place looks interesting but not that popular. It's deserted even when other places are full to capacity like, for example, on a sunny Sunday afternoon. You cannot help but wonder if the two members of staff slouched on the couch are acting as a deterrent for regular customers. Bar Bola has got all the elements for success with decent drinks and food, a peculiar decor and even a large screen showing sports, but it doesn’t seem to be fulfilling its potential.

The Food
The menu is a people pleaser. There's a bit of everything with a special section dedicated to spicy treats. For starters (£3 to £4.75) try the spicy chicken wings and the carry on with the creamy arrabbiata from the pasta selection (£7). The mains (£7 to £8) are split between the old favourites and the spicier section (£6.50 to £7). Take your pick from sirloin steak, mince and tatties, or Jamaican jerk chicken and quesadillas. Burgers, sandwiches and salad are the other options available.

The Drink
The drink list makes all the right noises. There’s a cocktail menu (£4.50) which also includes shooters (£2.20). You can order twisted classics like Apple and Melon Martini (vodka, apple Sourz, Midori and lime) or their own mixes like Kandi (Frangelico, butterscotch schnapps, Touissant shaken with milk and cream) and Fosbury Flip (rum, Frangelico, apricot liqueur, orange juice, lime and grenadine).

Shots include B54 (Amaretto, Baileys and Touissant), Alice In Wonderland (tequila and Grand Marnier), and Fifth Avenue (creme de cacao, apricot liqueur and cream). Bar Bola also offers wine, limited to a few bottles of white and red. You can get a glass for £2.80 or £3.85 depending on the size and bottles are £11.

The Last Word
Bar Bola should be more popular and there are plenty of reasons why. Bring your friends and this may become a hot venue.

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