The Assembly

The pretty, peaceful location opposite a charming public garden provides the X factor at this likeable branch of the Lewis & Clarke group, which otherwise has all the ingredients you’d expect of that chain: an eclectic style of raw concrete, bright red & zingy lime green. It offers a daily menu of fish specials in addition to the main menu of competent, gastropub fare: sharing platters or perhaps char-grilled squid with cashews, apple & curry vinaigrette to start, with wild boar & apple sausages, creamy mash & port jus or linguine with pea, mint, pistachio pesto & cherry tomatoes to follow. There’s a simpler bar menu, evening nibbles & the wines are listed by drinking characteristic, with plenty of sub-£20 choice for casual glugging. Beers include bottled Paulaner & Leffe on tap.