Prince Regent

Large airy pubs with an outdoor terrace (even one adjacent to a busy bus route) and plenty of room for pushchairs are always going to be popular in this area. Indeed, at weekends the Prince Regent gets so crowded with younger customers that it hosts a family Sunday lunch (serious roasts), and also sets aside a child-free upstairs room for those seeking some peace. As a pub, it’s a hit, with four guest ales, branded lagers and decent wine, while booths, books and board games clearly invite drinkers to linger. Regrettably, the food menu is limited and uninspiring, focusing on such predictable classics as burger, steak frites, sausage and mash, sea bass, fish pie, steak and ale pie (though on the day we visited they were out of pies and hadn’t come up with an alternative). Surprisingly, there is no children’s menu, though staff are happy to rustle up scrambled eggs, sausage and chips or any combination of that day’s ingredients. Our visit was rescued by some unexpectedly good rice dishes – a tasty kedgeree, a creamy risotto – and substantial salads.