As original SOL fans we at slynkey had been eagerly anticipating the opening of Yellow Cross – the large 2 story purple building on the left (if standing in Lordships Lane) adjacent to The Fish n Chip Shop in SOL Square. I have to admit it is more rustic than I imagined inside, with faded mustard walls, a lot of wood detailing, wrought iron and candlesticks - think Winnie Bagoes meets Speights Ale House.It is a pizzeria upstairs and more a bar-only scene downstairs. I have only ever been there for drinks and haven’t tasted the pizzas - but they always look yummy as they go past!
It would be a great place to tuck in for a quick and tasty bite to eat whilst overlooking the cosmopolitan atmosphere of SOL from up high. The view is a big plus for Yellow Cross, the large balcony is prime for “people-watching” (a favourite slynkey girl pastime!) and seeing who is about in the Square and what they are up to - you get an almost a 360 degree view of the bars in the Square including (through the plastic screen) all the way down Lordships Lane.
The size of Yellow Cross is one of it's main appeals, is lovely to go somewhere (especially in SOL which has some tiny bars!) where you have more than enough room to move. Giant trestle tables and wine barrels complete the oversized look and feel.
The staff present on all of our visits always seemed young, very energetic, eager and attractive, all dressed in smart white shirts. There were lots of wait staff circling around and our ashtray was emptied every 10 minutes, with many an offer of menus or another drink. They were open and friendly, you did not feel you were bothering them as in some bars and there was never too long of a line at the bar. Again the size helps.
Yellow Cross goes off on a Friday or Saturday night with live bands accompanied by some of the largest speakers I have ever seen. You will find a great jovial atmosphere with definitely an older crowd – no 18 year-old mini skirt wearers to be seen. The lack of crazy drink specials also helps weed out those more frugal young citizens too.A few weeks after the Main building opened, a cute wee Champagne bar opened at the back end of Yellow Cross. This is still part of Yellow Cross but is in a world of its own away from the lights and glitz, and has a more darkly parisian feel to it, somewhere you might catch a 1890s moulin rouge dancer courting a wealthy lord. This is also definitely worth a visit and looks like a wee french hole in the wall in a back alley - very 'SOL' and very cool.
