The Olive Press is a small haven of tranquillity resting in the heart of the city, brimming with rustic Italian charm topped off with a contemporary twist.

The Venue
Celebrity chef Paul Heathcote��s latest culinary venture, the Olive Press, is situated on the banks of the canal and draws much of its likability from its favourable location. Visiting the Olive Tree brings with it a slightly muted version of city centre dining, a sense of not being in the thick of it without being cut off from the action.

The exterior of the Olive Press is made up of two storeys of floor to ceiling windows that look modern yet slightly cold and clinical at first sight. However, once inside you can’t help but warm to the cosy farmhouse feel that emanates from every nook and cranny.

The downstairs is split over two levels, the first is dominated by a huge bar area, the second leads towards the restaurant's rear that offers a scattering of tables catering for small or large groups. If you are lucky enough to grab the table for two nestled in the corner you can enjoy the best view of the canal. This table is in prime position and would be very impressive on a first date.

The dining room is made up of an eclectic mix of textures; you will find an array of exposed brickwork along with open beams that contrast nicely with the olive green paintwork that adds the finishing touches to various windowsills dotted around the restaurant. There is also a huge wooden sweeping staircase leading to the upper dining area.

The overall effect is a romantic one enhanced by subtle touches such as the candles that rest in every stone recess that surround the windows on the back wall of the restaurant.

The People
Due to its location the Olive Press attracts a mixed bunch - families, friends and business partners alike. The atmosphere is calming due to the tranquil setting and chilled out music yet the staff are bordering on sleepy and could do with being a bit livelier.

The restaurant can be quiet in the early hours of the evening however it soon fills up bringing the dining room to life. Children are especially well looked after and can choose from tasty treats on the little olives menu.

The Food
The Olive Press serves up generous portions of steaming handmade pasta dishes and exquisite stone-baked pizzas as well as a range of grills. The list of appetisers is short and sweet starting from £3 with a simple bowl of olives. The menu holds no surprises with simple yet delicious combinations such as the sundried tomato risotto, a good choice for vegetarians, which can be served as a starter (£5.50) or a main course at £7.

The Olive Press sticks to what it knows with classic Italian options such as the spaghetti ragu alla bolognese (£8.95), tagliatelle carbonara (£9.50) and a lasagne also at £9.50. Pizzas start at £6 for a traditional margarita then climb to around £9.95 as the more exiting options come into play. Desserts include something for all tastes with options of the hot and cold variety. Italian specialities include the classic tiramisu (£5.50), and the Italian trifle that comes with fresh raspberries and mascarpone at £6.

The Drink
The wine list is absolutely huge yet well thought out leaving you spoilt for choice; however, there are at least six sub categories to help you pick the perfect tipple to complement your meal. The prices start from a reasonable £13.95 for a bottle of red, white or rose wine. Choose from light and fresh, aromatic and fruity, rich and full among others depending on your mood.

There is a pleasing selection of champagne. Proseco is £19.95, there's a rose champagne for £26.50 or plain champagne for £35. A glass costs £6.75. A good range of soft drinks and hot beverages are also available.

The Last Word
All in all a good all-rounder in terms of service, setting and high standards.

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