Duke of Cambridge

A pioneer of all things green and ethical, the Duke of Cambridge is the UK's only gastropub to be certified by the Soil Association. From its beers and bitters to its pies and puddings, everything is organic - and the owners have the (recycled) paperwork to prove it. For such a serious-minded place it's surprisingly relaxed, thanks in part to the calm residential location and its open-door policy to children and dogs. Draught ales from Freedom, Pitfield and St Peter's breweries attract beer connoisseurs from far and wide, while locals come for the food.

Pass through the big airy bar to find an intimate restaurant, furnished with recycled tables and chairs. A short blackboard menu showcases Home Counties-sourced produce such as Tamworth pork, Sussex-bred beef and MSC-certified fish, including line-caught coley and grey mullet.

On our last visit, we were impressed by a smoked sprat starter with redcurrant compote, and a hearty pork belly stew with lightly spiced kidney beans. With organic and ethically sourced food commanding top dollar, the bar snacks are playing an increasingly important role; warm chorizo, olives with herbs and own-made houmous serve to soak up the beer as well as enticing drinkers to sample more of what's available.