LOOKING for somewhere sophisticated to eat in Bath is not much of a chore. You are surrounded by grandiose Georgian buildings housing some of the south west's best eateries. It just all rides on what you are looking for.

Taking my friend Claire for a much-needed lunch after a drastic change of look at a nearby hairdresser, we called into one of Bath's newest additions to the gastronomic sector Ha Ha Bar & Canteen.

Since opening the menu has changed dramatically, but on a negative side so has the atmosphere. At first attracting a curious range of diners and drinkers, Ha Ha has turned into a middle-class cattle market.

Service and menu range is impeccable but when it comes to the clientele, let's just say it's not ideal for a civilised lunch.

Back to the food. Main courses are split into sections with the aptly titled proper food, proper fish and canteen food.

Nothing too swish but the food is adventurous.

Opting for corn fed breast of chicken covered in herbed parmesan and wrapped in parma ham, the crisped meat came on a bed of creamy pasta, dotted with sunblushed tomatoes.

Tangy and tender, the chicken was well-cooked, although I might possibly have enjoyed it more without the bone.

Pasta strips were tender, a touch greasy, but warm and filling. Not a bad meal despite the minor flaws. My newly-styled eating partner, Claire, went for the escalope of salmon on a bed of wilted spinach asparagus and mange tout. One dish for the healthy eater I feel.

Drizzled with a tangy basil and lemon aioli dressing, the piece of salmon was plump, with that freshly-cooked healthy orange tinge.

After making a crude reference to the after-effects of asparagus (which I later regretted saying) Claire avoided the vegetable altogether, but devoured the rest of the meal in minutes.

Al dente was the general feel although again she also picked-up on that tinge of greasiness I spotted on my pasta serving.

Moving onto desserts we were spoilt for choice, but options do not leave many choices for the health-conscious.

Constituting mainly waffles, sticky toffee sauce and cookie ice cream, there is a distinct lack of calorie-saving dishes.

Forgoing my own regimented healthy-eating trip, I went for a white chocolate cheesecake with sticky red fruits. Well at least the fruit was healthy.

Cheesecake should always have a crunchy, but not oversized, base and a firm, creamy topping. The chefs at Ha Ha Bar have got it spot-on. It was delicious and one of the highlights of the meal.

Claire went for Ben and Jerry's cookie and ice cream stack with warm chocolate sauce.

Moorish to start with it quickly became rather sickly, but nevertheless would be a welcome treat for seasoned chocoholics.

So overall the food was pleasant, palatable and filling. The staff were friendly and efficient. The building was well thought-out and roomy. The co-diners were generally loud, obnoxious and clearly out on the pull well it was 3pm on a Saturday afternoon! Must be getting old.

I suppose three out of four isn't bad.

Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen

The Tramshed, Beehive Yard,

Walcot Street, Bath

Tel: (01225) 421200

Fact File

Open Monday-Friday 11am-11pm; Saturday 10am-11pm; Sunday 10am-10.30pm

Starters from £4.90, main meals from £5.50, desserts from £4.50, breakfasts from £4.70.

Disabled access.

Outside courtyard.

Children not allowed.

Smoking permitted throughout.

Good selection of beers and wines.