Bars & Pubs

It's obvious that there's a heavy emphasis on food at this inviting Southfields gastropub as soon as you enter and spot the baskets of fresh bread on the bar, shelf packed with cookery books and jars of colourful pickled savouries lined up along the top of the wine rack. Indeed, all the seating is at rustic farmhouse dining tables of various sizes. Yet the proprietors have managed to retain a sense of proper pub in their impressive Edwardian premises, helped by traditional decor, open fireplaces and a great selection of over a dozen beers on tap. On our most recent visit, ales from Hook Norton, Timothy Taylor, Sharp's and Fuller's breweries were on offer beside Hoegaarden and Staropramen. The wine list offers half a dozen of each colour by the glass, including a Navaran cava at £3.40. The food, on a daily changing menu, is not only top notch, but reasonably priced: you might find deep-fried parmesan with cauliflower and mozzarella fritters at £5.50, a bowl of steamed mussels for £7 or an Earl beefburger at £9.50.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9