The Duke of Wellington

New ownership & a complete makeover have transformed what was once a grotty, old man’s pub into something altogether more snazzy, though regulars will be pleased to hear that much of the Napoleonic War memorabilia remains. Art-deco chandeliers & mix & match prints give the place a funky edge & provide the backdrop for an appealing modern British menu. Bar food includes hearty starters of crab bisque & mains of wild boar & apple sausages with gravy & mash, while the cosy dining room serves up much of the same but with a few fancier additions. A delicious starter of spiced pig’s head ‘cake’ & pig’s trotters on toast is highly recommended, & fillet of turbot with a Champagne cream sauce & ribbons of pasta & courgette is equally accomplished. Finish off with a textbook sticky toffee pud. Lunchtimes have been packed since the Duke reopened, so make sure you bag a table early.