As countryside gastropubs go, few are more quintessential than The Old Friar. This charming pub has been run by the same family for nearly 30 years, serving up simple yet delicious fare alongside a great selection of wines, beers and cocktails. A favourite among locals as well as hikers and those just passing through, the pub has a stunning stone fireplace, exposed brick bar and beams lining the ceiling. It's a cosy place, but there's still plenty of room for diners including a beer garden with parasols, ideal for soaking up the somewhat infrequent British sun.
A hearty three-course meal is the prime offering here, although the menu allows for more casual dining with sharing boards and sides too. Starters feature classics like Gordal olives, sourdough grissini and hummus with pitta, alongside more decadent entries like pulled pork and apple bon bons, smoked mackerel pate with horseradish cream and sourdough or spiced potato wedges with blue cheese. The mains are then split between pub classics and more refined options. The former includes chicken supreme with saffron potatoes, pan-seared stone bass with mussels or wild mushroom and pea risotto.
The pub classics, meanwhile, feature comforting options like honey and mustard-glazed ham with a fried egg and chunky skin-on chips, wagyu beef burger with fries and a beer-battered cod fillet with chips, mushy peas and homemade tartare sauce. Vegans can enjoy a Thai coconut curry with puy lentil, aubergine, basmati, toasted cashews and herby flatbread. Cocktails include mojitos, pina coladas and the like, while a couple of spritzes are also available for summer nights. On draught, you'll find Blue Moon, Madri, Sharps, Pravha and other pub favourites, while there are plenty more as bottles or cans. There's a good selection of spirits too, for anyone who likes their drinks short and to the point.