Duke of Sussex

Good Pub Guide Recommended

Attractively restored Victorian local with interesting bar food, a good choice of drinks and a lovely big garden

On a warm day, the unexpectedly big garden behind this well run pub is a real treat - there are seats and tables under parasols, nicely laid out plants, carefully positioned lighting and (if it gets cooler in the evening) heaters. The classy, simply furnished bar has some original etched glass, chapel and farmhouse chairs around scrubbed pine and dark wood tables, and huge windows overlooking Acton Green. The big horseshoe-shaped counter, lined with high bar stools, is where hard-working, friendly staff keep four or five real ales from breweries such as Reunion, Sambrooks, Twickenham and Wimbledon on handpump, 30 wines by the glass and 15 malt whiskies. Off here is a dining room, again with simple wooden furnishings on parquet, but also six-seater booths, chandeliers, antique lamps, a splendid skylight framed by colourfully painted cherubs and a couple of big mirrors, one above a small tiled fireplace.

Bar food times: 12-10 (9.30 Sun)

Highly thought-of food includes tapas such as salt cod croquetas, red cabbage, goats cheese, grapefruit and pine nut salad, chipirones (baby squid) with garlic, parsley and chilli and spanish cured meat plus vegetable paella, chicken pie (for two), squid ink, monkfish, clams and aioli with pasta, confit duck leg with charred gem, sautéed beetroot and walnut salad, fish and chips with pea purée, onglet steak with chips, watercress and chimichurri, and puddings such as treacle tart with clotted cream and chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce.