Drapers Bar & Kitchen

Budget-Friendly Student Hub with Pool Fun

Nestled on a rather inconspicuous stretch of the block, this little joint exudes the easy-going charm that’s tailor-made for a bustling student crowd. You walk in, and it’s immediately clear that while dining is certainly an experience here, equally important is the joy that comes from mingling over pocket-friendly drinks and a friendly game of pool at the back. The dim lighting twinkles against the laughter echoing across tables, creating a setting that whispers comfort as keenly as any warm pub on a frosty night.

On the food front, the tastes veer towards satisfactory, though some clarity on the menu wouldn’t go amiss, especially regarding their interpretations of Southern classics. The southern fried chicken, intriguingly described, ends up being a touch misleading; what arrives are not the hefty bone-in cuts, but modest fillets. This might ruffle the feathers of traditionalists yearning for that authentic indulgence. Yet despite the occasional kitchen hiccup, there’s undeniable warmth in the rustle and hum of the place—where staff seem more akin to genial hosts than distant presences, always ready with a smile and even a resolute hustle despite sporadic delays. If the richness of its environment is anything to go by, it's a snug treasure of a haunt worming its way into the heart of those seeking simplicity speckled with genuine fun. — Audrey Al Dente