On the Goring side of Streatley Bridge, glossy little Pierreponts looks perfect enough to have been cut from the pages of a country-interiors magazine. Home-baked cakes clutter the counter and
blackboards are chalked full of the day’s dishes, while skylights, flowers and newspapers say kick back and relax – even if the constant demand for tables doesn’t. An all-day menu is just that –
full English, boiled eggs with Marmite and soldiers or porridge with apple compote for breakfast, chorizo hash with a fried egg for brunch, and a full roster of simple but confidently cooked dishes
at lunchtime – perhaps whole plaice on roasted fennel with shrimp butter, roasted partridge with lentils, wild mushrooms and pumpkin or grilled sardines with pepper bread and smoked anchovy salad.
Wines are limited, but ample smoothies, coffees and infusions compensate.