One of Oxford's old faithfuls, St Aldate's Tavern is always worth a visit. It's a traditional pub with a wide range of real ales, comfortable seats and a relaxed setting, and I've spent several good nights there at Christmas parties, pub quizzes, and one Australian-themed evening which had more inflatable kangaroos than I've ever seen in one place before.

I hadn't tried any of the food at St Aldate's Tavern before, so I decided to head along for lunch. While I was tempted by the wide range of offerings on their menu - the spinach gnocchi and the smoked applewood croquettes looked particularly appetising - I was short on time, so decided to sample one of their sandwiches. I went for the fish fillet on sourdough, and settled down on one of the comfy sofas to wait for my food.

The sandwich arrived quickly, accompanied by a plate of expertly-cooked skin-on chips. The batter on the fish was crisp, and the bread was hearty and full of flavour. The sandwich was perfectly complemented by the generous portion of tartare sauce that accompanied it, and the meal as a whole was filling and satisfying, perfect for a chilly autumn day. The only slight drawback was the salad, which contained an odd mix of runner beans and capers along with the leaves and tomatoes. These additions didn't quite work for me, but the meal overall was very enjoyable.

Despite its city centre location, St Aldate's Tavern was a calm, peaceful lunch venue, with friendly staff and a chilled-out atmosphere. I'd highly recommend a visit to anyone looking for a good-quality meal at a reasonable price, with interesting twists on the usual pub favourites.