Bars & Pubs

The first of Andrew Veever and Jeremy Sutton’s venues is a wide-open, well-lit room with plush red banquettes and old chairs that are tattier than you find in most gastropubs. It’s not a look that’s been carelessly flung together: the Australian duo seem to have a penchant for the flamboyant wallpaper designs of Florence Broadhurst, and the Easton features one of green and cream birds. The menu focuses on a long list of mains (with vegetarians well looked after), plus a few chalked-up nibbles and just two desserts. Potted North Atlantic prawns spiked with capers and fresh chives featured plenty of chunky prawn pieces and tasted wonderful, despite being served too cold. Halibut came on a king-size bed of artichoke mash, topped with a summery salsa rosso. Ribeye steak was an apotheosis of its kind, given a judicious saucing with gorgonzola butter and accompanied by fat chips. There’s a terrific list of wines by the glass (two sizes) and bottle; we were very impressed by the rosé and viognier-chardonnay blend. And we’re glad to see there’s now a real ale among the roster of lagers and continental beers. Staff are friendly and easy-going.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008