The Herne Tavern

The Herne is the slightly scruffier cousin of The Palmerston on Lordship Lane, though here drink is more of a priority. It’s a handsome place: a proper boozer with lots of dark wooden panelling, original Victorian fittings & a lived-in feel. A new chef has added a Mediterranean twist to the menu, so dishes like linguini with cherry tomatoes & rocket sit happily alongside an organic beef burger, or ‘adult scampi’ – a larger portion of the kids’ favourite. On Wednesdays, special cut-price nights are themed around tapas, pies or mussels. To drink, there’s a well-annotated, Old World-dominated wine list, & you’ll always find a selection of decent beers on hand pump. The enormous garden, complete with climbing frame, is a big hit with young children & their adults.