Love it or hate it, the O’Neills chain offers good value food and drink without frills. If you can overcome the mediocre surroundings you can enjoy a nice pint, some pub grub and still come away with change from a tenner.

The Venue
As part of the well known ‘all things Irish’ chain, O’Neills has become as familiar as a pair of old slippers in most towns across the country, with Sutton being no exception. The decoration is reminiscent of an old man’s drinking establishment, a bit basic and nothing eye-catching, but the prices reflect the décor and that isn’t a negative - just that you get what you pay for.

The Atmosphere
The staff are chatty and friendly to regulars and newcomers alike. The punters aren’t really age-specific – expect everyone from teenagers waving their ID cards to pensioners with their bus passes. It can get very busy during the weekend so be prepared for a short wait at the bar during busier times. Live music is also a regular fixture on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The Food
Generously portioned and very affordable, this is good, old-fashioned pub grub. The menu is largely Irish-themed with starters of soda bread served with 3-flavour butter, Ballymaloe jalapeno relish and Castel blue cheese for only £1.99. Mains of Irish sausages and colcannon (mashed potato, spring onion and cabbage) is priced £4.99. Desserts are pretty standard, with a winter berry flapjack crumble and custard at £2.99. Eating here is hardly going to break the bank but the only negative is that there isn’t a massive choice for veggies, but you could always grab a jacket potato for £3.79. Bewley’s Irish teas and coffees are available from £1.49.

The Drink
There's a good range of wines. Reds start at £2.95 a glass or £9.45 for a cabernet sauvignon, before rising to £3.70 a glass or £11.95 a bottle for a decent shiraz. The white wines start from £2.95/£9.45 for a sauvignon blanc, rising to £3 a glass or £9.95 a bottle for the pinot grigio. However, the current special offer of £6.95 for a bottle of their house red, white or rose is not to be sniffed at. There are also plenty of beers available with several choices of bottled lager, ale and cider, and over nine on draft, including, of course, Caffreys.

The Last Word
O’Neills is your average pub in an average town. However, with friendly staff and reasonably priced food and drink you will more than likely come away with a smile on your face and a bit of change in your pocket.

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