Seasoned with age and decades of ale-quaffing patrons (including Charles Dickens, who lived on the same road, and DH Lawrence), this old-school pub boasts considerable character and a strong showing of beers and gins (over two dozen), while the terrace out front swarms with punters in warmer months. Arch-criminal Bruce Reynolds masterminded the 1963 Great Train Robbery over drinks here.
The panelled dining room at the back offers an elegant setting for roasted monkfish-on-the-bone, venison haunch, vegan burgers and other top-quality pub food (mains £13 to £20) from noon. There's a crowd-pulling Sunday roast (from £16), too, and friendly, helpful staff add to the excellent experience.
