Kensington Arms

What a treat – a restyled city pub that’s worth a detour for its food but still serves as a proper local. In this instance, ‘proper local’ is not code for a bar propped up by grizzled regulars; even mid-week, the Kensington Arms’ pub, dining room & outdoor terrace throng with trendy professionals. The spacious bar area offers decent wines and ales, while the Georgian-inspired dining area sparkles with chandeliers and the glass-screened kitchen (wittily framed like a picture) is a deserving focal point. From a menu of grown-up pub food, you could try linguine generously twirled with crab, chilli, parsley & lemon; follow with faggots with royal Norfolk potatoes, fresh peas & Guinness gravy; or an excellent sirloin steak with perfect hand-cut chips, rocket & béarnaise sauce. Desserts are equally assured: moist summer pudding bursts with fruity tartness. Staff are delightful.