Besk

Neighbourhood pub-cum-bottleshop with serious grill credentials.

When Besk first opened, the intention of owners Elliot Moore and Ben Braham was to create a public house in the true spirit of the term. Looking back, it’s safe to say they’ve achieved their goals, and then some. The crowd is all ages, the beer list and bottleshop deliver far more than they need to and the industrial space – complete with a long central bar, an enclosed courtyard and open kitchen – works for what you want it to, whether you’re there after a day in the office, out on a date, catching up with friends or just having a chinwag over a beer.

The food has found its natural groove, with chef Tom Harper’s recent return making dining, rather than just snacking, an even more enticing proposition.

The food has found its natural groove, with chef Tom Harper’s recent return making dining, rather than just snacking, an even more enticing proposition. Start with bread, and it’s crusty and generous Good Bakery loaf, served with rich roast chicken butter. Go for snacks, and you might land on pumpkin and scamorza croquettes drizzled with hot honey.

Go larger and you’re talking little gem lettuce cups filled with crisp-fried bang bang chicken flavoured with soy, vinegar and honey. Another bite, another sip, good times with friends and a drinks list that keeps you coming back. Yep, we’d mark that down as a success.