With an attractive exterior that wouldn’t look out of place in the country, City Pride is a pub that’s worthy of its haughty title.

The Venue
With an exterior as enticing as this, it would be a crime to neglect the interior and luckily this hasn’t been done. A sign outside asking for smart-casual dress shows what kind of place this is, keeping the dirty boots of nearby builders out and encouraging the suits to come in. Exposed brickwork, a predominance of wood, and a well thought out colour scheme hints at a certain level of sophistication - a sophistication that’s continued in service and substance.

The Atmosphere
Often full of groups and couples looking for some good food, City Pride isn’t likely to get particularly rowdy and the big comfy sofas make it the perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon in. The relaxed ambience is helped by soft chill out tunes on a quiet stereo, and a friendly, welcoming workforce. Weekends do get a little busier but never overcrowded, and the summer is met with many a patron enjoying a large, well designed garden area that enables you to almost forget you’re in the city.

The Food
This is where the City Pride excels, and why it remains popular. With some tasty international dishes on offer there’s a good range that should keep all but the most pedantic of diners happy. Of particular note is the grilled salmon fillet on a bed of potato boulanger that’s by no means cheap but is well cooked, well balanced and well, very tasty indeed. For those with larger appetites the sirloin steak is very good – cooked superbly and served with some fantastic chunky chips or a creamy spring mash.

The Drink
With a good wine selection on offer, City Pride caters for older drinkers, though the absence of real ales is disappointing. This is almost compensated for by a good range of well kept draught beers, including Fosters, Kronenburg, John Smiths and, pleasingly, San Miguel.

There’s also a very good selection of hot drinks, which is probably testament to the pubs status as a good eatery. The caramel cappuccino is good but those with a sweet tooth should try the Ciocolatto, a devilishly thick hot chocolate that tastes sublime. Teas are well considered, too, with Earl Grey, Darjeeling, peppermint and camomile all on offer.

The Last Word
A country pub in the heart of the Isle of Dogs, City Pride is right to be so bold.

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