Located in Southernhay, The Cosy Club is a quirky restaurant/bar just a five-minute walk from the Cathedral. The building is fairly old and, upon entering, it’s difficult to work out exactly where you are – is it an old church, an old surgical floor? Turns out it’s the ground floor of the Halford Wing at the old Dean Clarke Hospital. Yep, I told you it was quirky.
Once you’ve gotten over your initial irrational fear of being inside an old hospital (oh wait, that’s just me), you’ll be quick to settle in and appreciate the eccentric décor of the place. Divided into two sections, bar and restaurant, The Cosy Club is scattered with oil paintings, vintage lampshades and an array of mismatched chairs. It seems a little bit like the kooky lovechild of The Glorious Art House Café and The Bike Shed Theatre.
The menu itself is fairly extensive, ranging from classic sandwiches and burgers to a selection of tapas and other mains. There’s even a selection of vegan dishes – perfect for me as I’m currently taking on the challenge of ‘Veganuary’. I decided on the bean burger, a solid choice, and went on to enviously eye up the crème brûlée my friend ordered when we reached dessert. Not that the menu is overpriced, I’m just not so great at managing my finances. It’s fairly average for a good quality restaurant – pricey enough that it’s definitely a nice place, but not so expensive that it’s unaffordable for students.
If you’re looking for a lovely little offbeat place for the perfect date, I’d definitely recommend checking out The Cosy Club. With a unique atmosphere, great quality food and a tucked-away location, it’s the perfect place to make your Valentine’s Day just that little bit more … cosy.
