Aqua’s USP is really all out about the location and dĂ©cor: it’s housed in one of Walcot Street’s most interesting buildings. From the outside, it looks like a chapel; give your eyes time to adjust to the candlelight and chandeliers within and suddenly you’re in a mini cathedral, infused with a sense of understated drama. And while the food doesn’t quite live up to such a fanfare (Italian themed, rather than full-on dolce vita authentica), it’s all very fresh, the welcome is friendly and fuss-free, the living is easy and the ensuing bill doesn’t mob you at the finish. Centre-stage tables are more suited to the Walcot Street glitterati than those in the mood for romance, who prefer to slide into a cosy booth. Cocktails and prosecco are writ large on the drinks menu, so ease your passage to pasta, pizza, etc with a bellini.

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A-Z • Alfresco hotspots • Lunch-time destinations • Party venues • Romantic restaurants