Fluid in Smithfield Market – oooh those chicken katsu rolls.

Fluid; a regular lunchtime haunt when I worked by Barbican and now, not frequented enough by me, mainly due to not being in my immediate eye sight or on a direct bus line from my door. Convenience is key in my world. It was a craving for the chicken katsu rolls that I’ve only ever seen on a sushi menu here, that enticed me back to Smithfield Market.

With low deep seats you sink into, dark decor and low lighting. I can never decide whether its aiming for romantic, cosy or specifically targeting those with hangovers. It works for the latter (or it did that day), and we whiled away longer than usual ordering enough sushi for six, for just three of us – including, of course, a double portion of the chicken katsu rolls.

Fluid is a totally multi purpose venue. One of my favourite lunchtime retreats, an always busy bar on the less socialable nights of the week when I probably shouldn’t be out and a pre-clubbing drinks spot with Fabric a stone’s throw away. And on top of all that, it serves great cocktails, has retro arcade machines and makes the barman’s work lighter by having beer vending machines… (true).

Somewhere to try; nearest tubes are Farringdon and Barbican.