Bars & Pubs

Dating back to the early 18th century, this handsome Young's establishment started life as a country pub in the hamlet of Garratt. These days, there's a long, narrow, low-ceilinged, candlelit bar, with wood panelling above a roaring open fire, that feels a bit cottage-like; at its far end, a snug mezzanine with stairs at either end provides a welcome retreat for couples, seated on leather sofas beside a large brick open fire. On the other side is a small dining area, packed to capacity for Tuesday night poker with local thirtysomethings on our visit. On tap you'll find the familiar Young's Bitter and Special, plus (less usual in these parts) Courage Directors, with Staropramen, Kronenbourg Blanc and Peroni the best of the rest. The kitchen tries to cater for everyone with daily chef's specials and lunchtime snacks, and the food is very popular with families; service is friendly too. Come summer, there's a sprawling two-tier beer garden at the rear, full of bamboo tables and chairs beneath matting roofs that would be more fitting at a Bajan beach bar. Entertainment indoors runs to a flat-screen TV, but seasonal fun includes the likes of Easter Egg hunts and a St Patrick's Day quiz.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9