The Commercial

Despite being owned by Mitchells & Butlers, one of the UK’s largest pub operators, The Commercial has none of the trappings of a chain hostelry. You’d struggle to detect even a whiff of corporate direction among the mismatched furniture, popular quiz nights & knitting evenings that make the boozer such an attractive proposition. A lively crowd of 20- to 40-somethings can usually be found supping real ales, playing board games or devouring well-prepared, good-value food. Pub classics pepper the menu (bangers & mash, burgers, cod & chips), alongside usually four seasonal specials, such as crab & samphire salad, or roasted breast of Barbary duck. Six daily bar snacks might include breaded pigs’ cheeks with piccalilli, or sweet potato wedges with tarragon mayo. Sunday roasts are a particular draw.