Middle Park Hotel

There's plenty of history at the Middle Park Hotel – from the relaxed front bar with its polished brass kick-rail, to the moody wood-panelled dining room (with English oak originally from the MCC Long Room). It’s like stepping back in time but with the modern comfort and flair that we’ve come to expect from owner Julian Gerner (Royal Saxon, Albert Park Hotel and ex-Public House).

Originally built in 1889, the Middle Park Hotel was refitted in late-2009 by Six Degrees architects, who restored the building to its former glory. Keep an eye out for Gerner’s specially commissioned monogrammed rugs.

But it’s the menu that really gets us going. Pub dining as it should be; hearty with quality and variety. Consulting chef Paul Wilson (Albert Park Hotel and ex-Botanical) has teamed up with head chef David Marshall, their combined English roots have given us a menu heavy on British pub classics that include scotch eggs, pork chops, offal dishes and full English breakfasts complete with black pudding and Cumberland sausage. It’s heavy stuff, but in these surrounds it feels right, especially when its combined with a beer from one of the 45 taps.