Bars & Pubs

Proximity to the station and an earnest attempt to appeal both to young smarty-pants and to bitter-swilling crossword lovers make this one of the better options in an otherwise bland shopping area. Built in 1874, this spacious Young's venue is a pub proper at the front, with a bar to one side and a trendy wine bar area at the rear; the otherwise excellent roof terrace overlooks a busy main road. The pub bit does brisk - occasionally raucous, especially during sporting events - trade during the day, with the wine bar taking most of the strain come nightfall. Young's ales are supplemented on tap by Staropramen and Heineken, while the wine list is well priced (Crystal Brook shiraz, £13.50).

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9