This new Brain’s venture is unassuming from the outside, but sumptuous within.

The Venue
Barocco - a cross between baroque and rococo - or a vitamin supplement? Brain’s took over this site, formerly called Is it?, in November 2007 and have turned it into a style bar, which they seem to be doing more of nowadays. You could easily walk past this place because it's so understated but don't step inside and you're in for a treat.

There's a saying on the continent that if it's baroque don't fix it. Well hopefully Barocco will stick to this because baroque flair has taken over this place. Stone sculptures, big candelabras in the window and large gold-framed mirrors are everywhere. But it’s not overbearing mainly due to the high ceilings.

The bar is made of ornate carved wood and behind it is an enormous mirror stretching all the way up to the ceiling which is a good 20 feet. Spanish guitar music, world music and light classical play in the background.

The People
It’s still a bit quiet but word’s getting around and they seem to be attracting their target market of late twenties to early thirties guys and gals, although it's more gals than guy at the moment. During the day its full of the office crowd and at weekends expect older families and couples.

The Food and Drink
It’s a fairly food oriented bar and you can eat here all day if want with breakfast, lunch and dinner available on what is a mainly Italian menu. There's the usual pizzas and pastas as well as a grilled tuna salad with green beans and new potatoes. Despite the lavish surroundings the prices are quite low and lime fish cakes will set you back just £4.95 and a lamb shank is only £9.95.

On draught there’s Carling, San Miguel, 45, Brain’s SA and Heineken, with Peroni, Beck’s, Corona, Menabrea and Moretti in bottles. There are some decent Italian wines on the list too and some classic cocktails. They also serve a range of coffees.

The Last Word
The lavish Barocco provides a touch of class to the city centre at affordable prices. Once it gets busier expect that to change.