The Crown

Simplicity rules at this genteel gastropub, where a seasonal menu offers gutsy food based on judiciously sourced ingredients. There’s plenty of space inside, whether you opt for the back room with its inglenook fire & views over the cobbled courtyard, the bar (complete with nooks & crannies) or the cheerful front room. The same daily menu is served throughout, & dishes offer robust flavours with the odd fancy flourish for special effect. Go for lunch & try no-frills pub grub along the lines of devilled mushrooms on toast ahead of lamb meatballs with chickpeas & rice, or splash out gastronomically at dinner with foie gras, toast & apple jelly followed by skate with new potatoes, monk’s beard, caper & parsley dressing. Desserts are also well up to par, with marmalade bread & butter pudding & chocolate, cardamom & pistachio cake popular choices.