This artistic haven is perfect for a pre-movie drink or for those just looking for an alternative bar.

The Venue
The Fact Bar is situated on the first floor of the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology (Fact). To reach it you have to enter this impressive building through the main entrance and you can’t help but be impressed by the sculptures and exhibitions along the way. There's a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with people queuing for cinema tickets, browsing in the shop, eating in the cafe or visiting the gallery spaces.

Once you've climbed the large, steep, stone staircase to the first floor (there is also a lift) you arrive at the Fact Bar which is open-plan and takes up most of the floor. Large movie posters advertising current screenings cover the wall above the bar and on the back wall. The bar itself is simple yet classic in beech wood with a brown leather front.

It's well lit with large metal light shades as well as natural light streaming in through the large windows running the full height of the building. The ceiling has a futuristic look as it's stripped to bare stone with thin metal pipes running between the lights and one large silver funnelled pipe at the back.

Seating consists of six brown leather couches with large red tables and smaller brown leather square stools or a number of booths in the same colour and style set out in a semi-circle with beech wood running along the top. Here too there are the same tables and stools and each booth is a different size. The floor is the same beech wood and all of this gives a modern, trendy look.

Background music plays, but it's not loud and it can be difficult to make out what's playing if the bar is busy. There's a rack of newspapers on the back wall which people can help themselves to free of charge and return when finished.

The People
One of the great things about the Fact Bar is you never know who you'll come across. The cinema obviously attracts a broad range but there's also students playing cards and discussing the latest films and books, as well as couples on a date and people on their own making the most of the free Wi-Fi. This is a place welcoming to all.

Staff are friendly and their uniform is relaxed and informal, primarily all black with either the Fact logo or T-shirts promoting a forthcoming event. They're helpful and allow you to taste the wine if you're unsure what to choose.

The Drink
The selection is varied and reasonably priced with a 10 per cent discount on alcoholic drinks for Fact members. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can be taken into the cinema.

Red and white wine is available by the bottle or the glass (small and large). Prices range from £13.95 for the cheapest bottle to £21.95, with a choice of five red and five white priced in between.

Wine by the glass ranges from £3.50 to £7.30 and draught and bottled beer costs around £3. There's locally brewed Cains at £3 a pint or the pricey Hoegaarden at £3.70 a pint. They also stock current favourites such as Magners Cider (£3.70) and Koppenburg pear cider (£3.20).

Spirits take up a full page of the drinks menu so there's something for everyone. Prices start at £2.60 for standard spirits to £3.10 for more expensive malt, rum and gin.

There's a wide range of soft drinks all approximately £2, plus 10 different hot drinks to choose from and a selection of herbal teas. Tea starts at £1.20 and the prices go up to £2 for a mocha or hot chocolate. Bar snacks (crisps, nuts and sweets) vary in price but are not expensive.

The Last Word
The Fact Bar is relaxed and friendly and attracts a wide range of people who are all keen to embrace the Fact community’s artistic vibe. Whether you settle down on your own in one of the comfy couches with a latte and a newspaper or go with a group of friends before a film you will feel equally at home.

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