Bars & Pubs

The Ordnance is just up the road from a barracks (hence the name); we thought we might find a few squaddies here, but the punters were largely middle-aged. This is a Sam Smith pub, majoring in lagers and just two bitters, and the pursuit of independence extends to the retro Scintilla soft drinks and a few unusual spirits behind the bar; wine drinkers have a couple of reasonable reds and whites to choose from. The space is warm, woody (tree branches turned into light fittings) and candlelit in winter. The grub is solid stuff, and firmly traditional - various pies, for example, and a couple of fish dishes - and you can choose to eat it in a small conservatory at the back. A couple of enclosed patios front and rear keep smokers happy; staff are a cheerful bunch.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9