Review by Alice Wylie at the Scotsman, Rating:
FOR a long time, Stirling has been crying out for a watering hole that isn't packed with teens knocking back sambuca shots. At long last, such an establishment has arrived. Residents over the age of 19 are rejoicing at the recent opening of Osta, the city's first boutique hotel, which features a decidedly grown-up bar and restaurant.
The good?
Soft music, fantastically friendly staff and a sophisticated clientele are a far cry from Stirling's usual sticky-floored offerings and their alcopop promos. The restaurant serves delicious, inexpensive tapas, while the stylish bar area has live piano music at weekends. If it all becomes too much, there are seven individually styled bedrooms to retire to.
The bad?
Occupying a gorgeous Georgian building just off the Craigs roundabout, it's a little isolated, so a pub crawl isn't really an option. But when everything you really need is on the premises, this shouldn't be a big problem.
The ugly?
The interior is pretty slick, but it's not quite there yet. Sleek, dark wood, fuchsia velvet and dark brown leather are all very well, but the carpet is reminiscent of something you might find in an airport lounge, while the rather gaudy lighting scheme makes full use of a spectrum of garish colours.
Who would go there?
Stylish young couples toasting the long-overdue arrival of a decent nightspot in their home town.
Who wouldn't?
Miniskirted 17-year-olds brandishing fake ID.
The bevvy?
Classic cocktails are the order of the day, ranging from cosmopolitans to mojitos. For those without a sweet tooth, there's a wide range of bottled beers and an extensive wine list.
This article: http://living.scotsman.com/food.cfm?id=1288162006
Last updated: 02-Sep-06 00:07 BST
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