Whiteladies Road has got more drinking establishments than you could shake a cocktail stick at, but until now it has not had an upmarket establishment to serve you that cocktail and stick. So thank goodness for the arrival of Whitelock & Grace, a new bar aimed firmly at discerning grown ups.

Whitelock & Grace opened last week at the top of the steps to Clifton Down station, next to the entrance to Platform One nightclub. Its proximity to Platform One is unfortunate, and there is talk of using Whitelock & Grace’s back entrance on busy nights to avoid the club crowd.

You could not pick two such different places to share a front step. Platform One certainly would not class itself as “a drinking and thinking establishment” as Whitelock & Grace does.

“Look for the lantern” is the instruction on how to find Whitelock & Grace. It’s not as well hidden as Hausbar or Hyde & Co, nor do you need to ring a doorbell to be allowed in, but it does share their philosophies and love of fine wines and cocktails.

The aim is to offer a service and experience like nothing else in this part of Bristol. And they have succeeded, for there may be a huge number of pubs and bars to choose from in the near vicinity, but nowhere is as classy as this new bar.

It has changed beyond all recognition from its last incarnation as a typical “Whiteladies strip” venue. Exposed brick walls and maroon leather banquettes give Whitelock & Grace the feel of somewhere much older, but a nod to modernity is caricatures on the walls in the style of old-fashioned portraits of Edwardian ladies and gentlemen.

A clock is stuck at 10.50 above the bar and a cherub swings from a light fitting near a huge bunch of flowers. The lighting is muted, music chilled, and I do recommend that gentlemen pay a visit to the lavatory to see the cheeky mermaids on the walls.

Cocktails are the drink of choice here but there is also an extensive wine lists and beers that include Bristol Beer Factory Milk Stout, Staropramen and the new Stella Black. My friend Kris and I enjoyed our beers with complimentary Twiglets.

The cocktail menu is split into four themes: champagne and fizz; early on and up; all night, long; and late night and serious. The prices are either £5.90 or £6 which is terrific value. If this bar was in London, you could easily be charged double that.

So finally, Whiteladies Road has got a drinking establishment to be proud of. Whitelock & Grace should be welcomed with open arms by the discerning drinker. Remember, look for the lantern.

Whitelock & Grace, Clifton Down Station, Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol.

www.whitelockandgrace.co.uk