The Royal Oak

"Chef Dan Doherty was always poised to open a decent boozer. The pub, happily airy and welcoming, opened in 2018 and the chef has steered proceedings towards modernity without pretence. There are dishes such as burrata with peas, mint, and pistachio — delicate, precise cooking but not exactly classic pub grub — but it’s all the better for it: they work well alongside the stars of the show, which are jauntier plates like ‘nduja scotch eggs and fried merguez sausage in filo pastry. The cheese toastie, with Lord of the Rings-like shards of cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella, sums up the pub perfectly: the apparent pursuit of total happiness. Also, look out for the ever-changing sandwiches. Sometimes there are crisps inside." - Josh Barrie