The Golden Heart

Dating back from the early 20th century, it’s composed of domestic-looking brick, with some classical stone features above. The hanging baskets, Union Jacks and well groomed miniature trees in window boxes give it a proud air, and this patriotic tub-thumper of an alehouse even finds room for a poster-sized photographic portrait of the Queen on an exterior wall. You’ll also notice ‘Dennis and Sandra Thirty Years’ (Dennis is now deceased) in illuminated white neon scrawl, mounted over the painted ‘Traditional Ales and Lagers’ sign. This sassy display suggests that the Royals-loving landlords have put their pub’s status to use as a magnet for arty types instead.

Inside, that conventional appearance dissolves into something else. It’s still a simple wood-panelled place in essence but, near one door, the words ‘Stand still and rot’ are written across the front of a light box. This installation, created by Angus Fairhurst, points to The Golden Heart’s status as an artists’ hang-out.

Running in bright red on the walls are the beer names of yesteryear (Eagle Ale, Eagle Stout, and so on); these days it’s Adnams and Leffe on draught, and affordable, well-kept wines, as well as big name usual lagers such as Carlsberg, Grolsch and Kronenbourg.

The pub can get quite busy, especially as weekends but it’s all about the hustle-and-bustle atmosphere and people watching.

All in all, a rammed and rowdy pub whose landlady is welcoming and friendly, always looking after her regulars and welcoming newcomers to the area with equal warmth and affection.