Cottons looks shut from the outside: the lighting is dim and the door resembles one of those that banks nail on when they reposess you. Don't be fooled: this Jamaican bar-restaurant, with a fine view of Safeway's garage, is alive, kicking and likeable. The combination of stripped plaster, attractive - if occasionally rickety - metal furniture, soul and reggae played at a volume just below uncomfortable and extremely potent rum cocktails and toddies at £3.50-£4.95 will lull you into a good mood in minutes, and a bowl of chillied ragga prawns will clear out those bunged-up sinuses in seconds. The marinated olives (75p) are the best I've had in a bar. Top notch for cool without condescension.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments