The Pilot

Fresh from a 2011 refurbishment, The Pilot continues to steer a classic gastropub course, cleverly incorporating bare floorboards, standard lamps & mismatched furniture into its Victorian premises – with further possibilities provided by a compact terraced garden & a spacious function room. Fuller’s beers are the highlight in the bustling bar, though there’s also a varied choice of global wines at fair prices. The menu is similarly unfussy yet eclectic, offering a choice of three sharing platters (think guacamole alongside hoummos & chilli feta), as well as starters ranging from chicken liver parfait to baked red pepper stuffed with couscous. To follow, expect the likes of pork & sage sausages with colcannon or more esoteric confit duck on butternut squash & chorizo gratin. For entertainment, don’t forget the summer barbecues or the Sunday night quiz.