The Sun Inn, Oakham

You can tell from the outside this is a real timewarp old school boozer, and so it is within. Set over three levels with old plaster walls, glossed over many years ago. There’s a quarry tiled floored room to the left, the bar in the middle, and wood panelled foodery (not a restaurant!) to the right with plastic lino tablecloths and a dart board – 1945 meets 1975. Just one ale on, but a very good Banks Bitter – which is all you need in a place like this. I thought this was a cracker, though I should point out that my companions were less enthused than I and vetoed my request to play a joker. I’d like to come back here, you get the feeling that it won’t remain like this for too much longer. A hidden gem, I think. 8.5