offers more of the same in fine weather.

There is no great secret or gimmick to what draws such a diverse crowd; some come for the food, some for the drink, some for the atmosphere and some for the free wifi. Almost all seem happy with what they find. The wifi, and the two computers free for use, are typical of a pub that always seems to try to offer a little extra, and this is continued by their 'Recession Menu', on which nothing costs more than £3.95.

There is an ever-changing range of well-kept real ales, from which the Oakham JHB can be particularly recommended, and a short wine list. The seasonal menu offers a mixture of pub classics, spearheaded by sausage and mash, and more Mediterranean fare, including risotto, tuna steaks and pasta. A starter of smoked duck and fig salad was a fine combination of flavours, and a large helping to boot. Homemade pesto and tomato bread was less inspiring; slabs of ciabatta came smeared with a reasonable green pesto, but topped with bland tomato and cheddar. Perfectly pleasant, but no taste sensation.

Mains were again generous and tasty, if somewhat inconsistent. For example there was either too much sausage or not enough mash in their signature dish, depending on which way you looked at it. But the roast courgette and pine nut risotto, though creamy and rich. was under seasoned. Desserts were again up and down: while the banana and toffee pancakes were almost everything a sweet tooth could wish for, too much egg white in the lemon sorbet made it sticky and cloying.

However, the welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices, not to mention the excellent drinks, make it very hard to begrudge any slip-ups for long. It's the sort of place where you can't help having a good time. The efficient, friendly staff keep everything ticking over smoothly, and fun seems to be had by all. And you can't ask much more of a pub than that.