From the old-fashioned umbrella to the rain mac and coat stand that greet you at the entrance, it is clear that the Stapleton Tavern’s intention is to make you feel at home.

The Venue
The Stapleton Tavern has been around for years but has recently been converted by the Antic Collective, an award-winning pub group with an admirable track record. First, the décor: it looks very much like the kitchen of a country estate. You can almost imagine a butler and a maid chilling out with a glass of gin on the large wooden tables by the windows, whilst the lord of the manor is out. Add a few grandma lampshades, more vintage upholstery and quite a lot of open space - and the picture is complete. At the back, there is also a beautiful large dining area, complete with two open fires, a few couches, a skylight, a dramatic crystal chandelier and books, old photographs and other elements, all of which help make the space personal, familiar and intimate.

The Atmosphere
Although you get the impression that the Old Dairy pub across the road has the advantage of being around longer when it comes to attracting locals, this pub remains lively and frequented by a mixed crowd. The pool table and the table football attract younger groups, for whom the upbeat music – more dancey than you might expect – also seems aimed at. Older faces do not seem to mind at all: there are plenty in for a drink and a chat.

The Food
The menu is short, to the point and traditional but with a few hip ingredients. The nibbles are cheap (£1-£3) and include sausage rolls, scotch eggs or chips with aioli. The starters (£3-£9) include warm chorizo salad, butternut squash soup and Spanish charcuterie, and they can all be ordered as a main. The list of mains (£7.50-£8) are classic pub options: steak and kidney pie, veggie or beef burger, sausage and mash, and a surprising octopus stew. Desserts (£3.5-£3.75) offer the likes of chocolate bavarois and caramelised pineapple tarte tatin.

The Drink
The beer selection is appropriate without being spectacular. On draught (£2.90-£3.90 a pint) there’s Estrella Dam, Budweiser, Fosters, Staropramen, Stowford Press and a few ales. The bottles (£3.20-£3.30) include Leffe, two Koppabergs, Magners and a couple of others. The wine list counts two dozen bottles (£13-£22; £18-£55 for sparkling and champagne). The good thing is that you can choose exactly how much wine you would like depending on your thirst: they serve 125 ml (£2.65-£3.80), 175ml (£3.25-£5), 250ml (£4.35-£6.75) glasses or even 500ml carafes (£8.70-£13.50).

The Last Word
Warm and welcoming in a fashionable, contemporary way, it is easy to feel at home at the Stapleton Tavern. Who wouldn’t want to have a pool table, table football and two fireplaces in their home?

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