It's a Pimms-summer-day pub where the whole family are welcome and there are meals to suit every pocket - from bar snacks to fish specialities (they're proud of their fish at the Beacon) - fine wine and ales, etc. The bar service is slightly sniffy, but the waiting staff are a joy, prompt, attentive and charming.

So far, so good. Perfect, really….. except…..well, it's the food m'lud. My home-beer- battered Hake and chips had to be sent back because the middle bit of the fish was still raw and Q's lamb and apricot casserole was just not good. Chewy lamb, two bits of apricot and a swamp of brown gooey sauce. True, my Hake was replaced quickly and tasted good if not spectacular (see The Old Vine) but, with some of the prices reaching up to £14-£15 a course, it really should be much, much better.

An OK really because of everything else - its still a great destination pub - just be careful around the menu……. M