The Commons

This sandstone heritage cottage, with sunken leafy courtyard out front and atmospheric bar downstairs, keeps things simple with a mantra of local and seasonal. The ever-changing blackboard menu complements established faves, and the good-value wine list evolves with the seasons. A salad of blue cheese, pear and artichoke has bite, and quail terrine smeared on toast with tangy tomato chutney is a winner. Beautiful Sicilian chicken pie perched on a golden cloud of saffron mash lifts the yum level another notch. The Commons is an uncommonly fine establishment.