View London June 2011

This top pub knows its roots, offering traditional pub food and drink in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. With its huge garden, as the pub’s tagline says, it brings a bit of the countryside to London – and it’s very welcome, indeed.

The Venue

Tucked just off the main road, the unimposing exterior does not prepare you for the setting you will find within. The bar is directly in front of you as you enter, and as you walk through, the pub’s ample space seems never-ending. A large TV to the right is sure to show sports fixtures, while a more secluded area to the left provides the perfect place for a quiet meal or drink. Through to the back there’s a light and airy conservatory that leads onto the quite unexpected huge garden. There’s plenty of seating inside and out, and to the back of the garden there’s even a function room. This room, converted from a row of stables, can be hired for functions – think birthday parties, weddings, christenings – and has a decked area just outside; ideal for summer, or just as easily covered by a marquee to give extra space.

The Atmosphere

There’s a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere throughout the pub. The staff are friendly and attentive, rushing around the various areas to ensure food is being delivered where it’s been requested. This pub is great for families and the garden is sure to be packed with playful kids come rain or shine – who could resist the challenge of the climbing frame? – giving parents time to enjoy a bit of well-deserved peace. The pub quiz on a Sunday night draws in the crowds and, with a jackpot up for grabs each week, the teams keep on coming.

The Food

Traditional pub fare with a bit of a twist and a focus on fresh ingredients gives a good blend of meat, seafood and veggie dishes. You can also enjoy two courses for £11.50 and three courses for £15 on selected dishes all day on Thursday and lunchtime on Friday.

Starters include a deliciously creamy chicken liver pâté with a juicy plum compote and toasted focaccia bread (£5.95), and a succulent mini lamb kebab with Greek salad and refreshing tzatziki sauce (£7). The mains include all you’d expect from a pub, and the organic homemade free-range beef burger with coleslaw and chips (£10; extra cheese 50p; extra bacon £1) is not to be missed. Melt-in-the-mouth meat, perfectly seasoned, with fresh, crunchy salad and gherkin, and proper pub chips and coleslaw - it’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest of stomachs. The catch of the day with hand-cut chips, peas and tartar sauce (£10) gives you the choice of having your fish grilled or fried in batter (good if you’re on a diet) – the batter is mouth-wateringly light, giving you a chance to taste the super-fresh fish. If you make it to dessert (it is a mean feat), orange chocolate tart with vanilla ice cream (£5) and lemon and ginger crème brulee with summer fruits and shortcakes (£5) will leave you fully satisfied.

Sunday lunch is hugely popular here and it’s not unusual for the pub to serve around 160 people – so get in early and don’t miss out.

The Drink

Sticking to its pub roots, The Herne Tavern offers 11 beers and one cider on draught and, starting from £1.75 for a half or £3.50 for a pint, the prices aren’t astronomical either. Choose from London Pride, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Tribute and Fosters to name a few. Spirits are served in 35ml measures and start from £2.85 a shot. There’s also a good list of wines, with 175ml glasses starting at £3.60, 250ml glasses from £4.95, carafes from £9.55 and bottles from £14.25.

The Last Word

For a laid-back family lunch, a cosy meal for two or a quiz night with friends, The Herne Tavern is just the ticket.

Samantha Jones - 29/06/2011 [four out of five stars]