The Minnow is one of those pubs that have surfaced on the mainstream of casual eating in the UK and are taking an increasing share of the market, evidenced by their growth in numbers and the popularity of what they have to offer.

Contemporary pubs such as these usually share a number of characteristics. An important feature is space, preferably a restaurant where you are comfortable, not over-awed, and not sharing elbow space with the next table, however sociable they may be. Good, too, to have a garden, optional al fresco eating out space, and by no means least a roomy and well stocked bar where you can actually get served without undue delay. If a pub offers all of these, and is in a good location, there is little reason in today's economic climate why it should not flourish. The Minnow provides ample evidence that this is true.

The ambience is very relaxed with its beautifully restored building and manicured gardens. The informal bar and dining areas have a décor where contemporary meets organic and melds into copper topped tables, real fires and wine prints on the walls.

The term 'gastropub' covers a multitude of blessings and it is possible to see influences of brasserie, bistro, restaurant and even café at work within the great gastro umbrella. So expect to find no one single cuisine, but a blend designed to provide something for everybody, no matter what their treat may be. To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, rustic breads with roast garlic, olives and virgin olive oil, or Mediterranean mezze of hummus, roasted vegetables, fregola, tzatziki, feta, spinach and ricotta pâté with flatbreads.

Amongst the starters there is always freshly made soup; the like of potted duck, smoked chicken with plum, balsamic chutney and wholemeal toast; spiced crab with avocado, prawns, ginger and pink grapefruit and, water melon, prosciutto ham, feta and chilli ice cream are also to be found. You can also find crispy duck, mouli, hoisin, carrots, spring onions and plum sauce among others in the salad or 'leaves' section of the carte.

Pastas include linguini with tiger prawns, crab, chorizo, chilli, tomato and white wine, or the tagliatelle with slow cooked Bolognaise and parmesan. For the big event there is roast rump of lamb, sauce soubise, asparagus, pancetta and button onions.

Calves liver with tray baked potatoes, red onion, bacon and sage panagrattato is popular, a sign of the times and improving taste in eating. For hearty eaters there is freshly battered haddock with frites, tartare sauce and minted mushy peas. A wide range of supporting dishes includes Belgium frites and mayo, and cabbage, leek and peas. Desserts are some of the best you'll encounter with apple, blackcurrant crumble and vanilla custard, and sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream, and there is also a selection of cheeses to set the buffs alight.

The Minnow stocks a wide range of beers, both well-loved draught ales and bottled from further afield. The wine list covers plenty of territory from traditional clarets to Pinot Grigio, and champagne by the glass or bottle is always available. Service is cheerful, brisk and totally in keeping with the friendly nature of a good English gastropub.

Their informative Website will keep you up to date on changes in menu and forthcoming events.Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.