The Boot Inn

There has always been much to recommend this country pub, but following a facelift in early 2006, locals have taken to its new look with renewed enthusiasm. An agreeable hubbub fills the still pubby ground-floor bar, which continues to offer traditional English ales, but it’s the upstairs restaurant that everyone's talking about. Black & cream leather, cowhide & wood are mixed in with ethnic & Asian artifacts – smart surrounds for the new European & Middle Eastern influenced menu. A Spanish-style sharing platter, offering a selection of charcuterie, tortilla & the like, makes a good start, or there might be crispy oriental duck salad ahead of char-grilled swordfish with piperade, saffron aioli & chips, & candied lemon cheesecake & ginger syrup to finish. Top marks go to the wine list, which is sensibly focused & keenly priced.