The Garrick’s Head

Under the same ownership as the King William (see separate review), the Garrick’s Head shares its commitment to real food & big flavours in unpretentious surroundings. Avoiding the formulaic feel of recent gastropubs, it’s a cheerfully idiosyncratic mix of pale pink walls, brass chandeliers, higgledy-piggledy mirrors & old plates. The food has an unmistakable air of authenticity, eschewing Anglo-Med cliches in favour of gutsy British cooking. Dishes such as pigeon breast & walnut salad or braised breast & roast loin of lamb with cabbage & bacon sport deliciously tender meat & finely tuned flavours. Puddings such as poached pears, ice cream & brandy snap & vanilla panna cotta & coffee syrup were well up to scratch, too. Bar snacks include roast beef & horseradish sandwiches, or homemade beef burger with golden, chunky chips. Catch a play at the adjoining Theatre Royal, & then come into the pub & rub shoulders with its stars.