LOCATION, location, location. Bang slap opposite a petrol garage and on a busy main road, The Devonshire Arms doesn't have it.

But on the inside, it's still quite cosy and cheerful and not a bad place to enjoy a pint.

Traditional padded sofas surrounded by wood panelled walls, compliment the ornamental plates and hand-painted Oscar Wilde quotations which encircle the bar at the top of the walls.

It has a nice mix of locals, students and hardened drinkers, which creates a good friendly atmosphere, with the low ceilings giving a feel of privacy.

The star turn, however, is the beer garden at the back fair sized, quiet and extraordinarily pleasant in the summer with its trellis, flowers and picnic tables.

Food is served all day and, although hardly Marco Pierre-White, the menu includes substantial dishes at reasonable prices: oven-baked potatoes with a variety of fillings, hot or cold baguettes, burgers and chips,

Staff are friendly and there's the usual choice of ales, spirits and beers, which include Benskins and Morland's Old Speckled Hen.

Other attractions include Sky Sports TV, a disco and film quiz nights.

So ignore the petrol fumes and traffic, lift your glass and toast your friends, for drinking at The Devonshire Arms is a very enjoyable affair.

OF