Open Mon–Wed midday–11pm, Thu midday–midnight, Fri–Sat midday–1am; Sun midday–11pm
The style:
I’ve previously been to The Masons Arms for a birthday and a fundraising party. With its long bar, large number of tables, a lounge bar upstairs with Chesterfield sofas as well as a heated terrace and garden, it’s a good choice of venue for groups and celebrations. The pub boasts friendly staff, dark wood panelling, Victorian etched glass windows, flock wallpaper and chandeliers.
The crowd:
This is clearly a place regulars feel relaxed enough to go to on their own. As well as couples and groups of friends and older families, we spotted a woman working on her laptop and a couple of older guys drinking alone.
The food:
The menu features plenty of pub classics and comfort food. I shared a very large portion of mild and non-greasy deep-fried goats’ cheese, wild rocket and red pepper chutney (£6) with my friend to start. For mains, my friend had an enormous portion of prawn and cod fishcakes, tartare sauce, thick-cut chips (I couldn’t help stealing a few) and mixed leaf salad (£11). The fishcakes were ‘the best I’ve had.’ The veggie options were limited and I’m not usually a fan of risotto, but my beetroot risotto with truffle oil and parmesan (£10.50) was excellent – neither too heavy nor bland. We shared a deliciously rich chocolate brownie with hazelnut ice cream (£5) for dessert.
The drinks:
We enjoyed a glass of zesty Sauvignon de Touraine (£4.95) each from the short but varied wine list. There’s mulled wine throughout winter and the current guest ale is Abbot Ale.
