The Village Gate, Aylesbury

Previously The Marquis of Granby this Georgian roadside inn, now extended to double its original size, was run by Punch but is now a freehouse and gastro-pub. There is a small car park and a large garden with terraces, a covered area and bench seating, some of which seems a bit disconnected from the pub itself. Inside there is a single long bar with two smaller dining rooms laid to table at the back. The bar has an open fire at one end and is comfortable and pleasantly decorated. The chef has previously earned Michelin stars, so the food is very good but equally expensive. As well as the restaurant menu they do daily themes: steaks on Tuesday, pies on Wednesday and Sunday lunches. These too are expensive for what you get. The landlord was friendly and genuinely welcoming, though some of the locals were moronic and obstructive. Three ales on, St Austell Tribute, Side Pocket For A Toad and Rebellion IPA. Beers were OK but not the best kept I've had, though the wine list is quite good. I'd come to eat here on a special occasion, but it's a bit too far from the town centre, and the beer quality doesn't justify inclusion in a crawl.