Restaurants for get-togethers with friends

It’s that time of year when the dining-out crowd splits into two groups – those looking for a place to party with as many friends or work colleagues as possible and those prefer to avoid such boisterous groups yet still want to enjoy a quiet meal with friends. It’s even possible for both to be accommodated in the same place! These Good Food Guide recommended restaurants fit the bill.

Angels with Bagpipes, Edinburgh
www.angelswithbagpipes.co.uk
It may be bang on the touristy Royal Mile, but this sharp cosmopolitan brasserie is surprisingly modern and spacious given the confined, ancient locale. Slick service makes it all run smoothly.

Brasserie Zédel, London
www.brasseriezedel.com
Descend a grand staircase to this enormous, impressive-looking space, all marble columns, velvet banquettes, close-packed tables and French food at value-for-money prices. Terrific buzz too.

JoJo’s, Kent
www.jojosrestaurant.co.uk
Value-for-money modern tapas and a happy ambience are what you get at this lively, popular restaurant looking out over the North Sea. Indeed, large groups add to the atmosphere and never seem to faze the cheerful staff.

Australasia, Manchester
www.australasia.uk.com
The funky, big-city hangout with its high-octane bar offers a restaurant noted for sharp service, thumping music and tantalising pan-Asian food.

Oyster Catcher, Anglesey
www.oystercatcheranglesey.co.uk
The flowing design of this newly built eatery overlooking sand dunes absorbs large groups perfectly. Run on similar lines to Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen social enterprise, the restaurant has a wide-ranging appeal.