WHEN we first walked into the Courtyard Restaurant, I and my partner were immediately taken by the simplistic, but stylish, interior.
 Down an alleyway and through the premises' courtyard, which is complete with outside dining space, we immediately walked into a rather small, but inviting, bar. Complete with comfy looking dark leather sofas and a baby grand piano, it certainly has the desired look of a city centre bistro style restaurant. To the left of this was the restaurant's eating area which comes complete with polished wooden floorboards, natural wooden chairs and tables and exposed brickwork. A somewhat austere, but pleasing rural simplicity set in the heart of Liverpool's vibrant Dale Street. When we were shown to our table, though, I must admit we were a little bit surprised. Not only was the table of four diners sitting next to us rather merry and somewhat boorish, they were also smoking heavily. The smoking element may not be a huge disappointment for most, and I must admit I have been known to have a sneaky one after the odd drink (though usually around a corner and out of view of my partner). However, when the partner you are dining with is pregnant it is a situation that can quite quickly turn into something of a evening wrecker. Casting my mind back to the phone call I made when I made the booking, I could not quite remember whether we discussed the smoking policy. So, I explained the situation to the waitress. She said that the restaurant did not have a policy. But, to be fair, she was very helpful and said she could move us to a table away from the four. As we sat down, she added that it was her belief that the eating area should be non smoking with the bar only being used for those who wish to light up. Sounds like an agreeable situation, I think. Luckily, by chance more than anything, no one smoked that came to nearby tables and the evening, following our false start, was more than enjoyable. | 
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