Large and unassuming, Alleyns Head is a no-brainer retreat for tired minds in need of a space to relax.

The Venue
Was Alleyns Head once an isolated inn on a green field or is this large building specifically designed to give that impression? Either way, the feeling of large countryside pub is a convincing one at Alleyns Head, despite the encroaching local residential area. If the pub appears as large and roomy on the outside; inside, the space is divided into small, comfortable, intimate and cosy sections. The décor is contemporary and in places slick: different contemporary wallpapers help separate each area, a striking modern fireplace provides the centrepiece, and corners are occupied by curved padded benches. A cream and taupe colour scheme is employed and comes across as elegant but, overall, there is a pervading feeling that some personality is missing.

The Atmosphere
Alleyns Head is slightly sleepy during the week: this is a residents’ pub and it is too elegant to attract mid-week drunkenness. The punters mainly comprise of small groups of friends having a bite to eat, while others are here for a couple of pints before returning home. However, the weekends are heaving and the Sunday roast is a big hit with the neighbours.

The Food
The menu is well balanced, very affordable, not too long, and there are even a few surprises. The starters are tapas-style sharer plates (£3.25 for one plate, £6 for two, £9 for three). The traditional mains are split between meat (£5.45-£10), grills (£5.45-£10), fish and salads (£6-£9), gourmet burgers (£5.25-£8) and sandwiches and jackets (£3.75-£5.25). Most options are traditional like slow-braised minted lamb shoulder and chargrilled gammon and scampi but there’s also the likes of crispy duck and pineapple salad to choose from.

The Drink
Two dozen bottles keep wine-lovers happy. The fact that these are really cheap is a welcome bonus: bottles are a mere £8.25-£13 while small glasses cost only £2.50-£3.75 and large ones are only £3.40-£5.35. There is even a small selection of long drinks if you need more sophistication in your glass: pick from woo woo, Cuba libre, Moscow mule and pina colada for £3 a glass or £10 per pitcher. Finally, the beer selection is not particularly exciting but it satisfies any tolerant palate. Adnam’s Bitter (£2.60 per pint), Young’s (£2.45), John Smith (£2.65) and premiums like Stella (£3.10), Kronenbourg (£3) pour from the pumps. Alternatively Peroni, Budweiser, Leffe and more are available in bottles.

The Last Word
Relaxed and kind to the eye, Alleyns Head is an unpretentious contemporary pub, ideal for a relaxed meal and down-to-earth drinks. It may lack a bit in the excitement stakes but it goes about its business with a calm air.

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