Ad Lib

Open since the 1970s, Ad Lib is a cute, casual bar with a cosy dining area at the back, which specialises in burgers and American style food.

The 2018/19 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £7.95 (+p&p).

This laid-back bar with a cute dining area at the back has been open for over 40 years. It’s got plenty of character inside due to its pretty, curved Victorian roof, warm red colour scheme and posters of cult American figures such as Jack Kerouac. A blackboard displays specials such as a burger with rich, crumbly black pudding and creamy, piquant blue cheese. Burgers are thick, homemade, pink in the middle and served in a delightfully soft bun with fries. Other options such as lamb, veggie or chicken are available to do as you please with – pile on the toppings, such as beef chilli or Jack cheese. Starters include a quesadilla that’s crispy and charred on the outside and chock full of sweet pulled pork on the inside, or rather dry chicken wings, which are saved by a thick coating of tasty BBQ sauce. Both are served in plastic baskets, which result in sauce and grease dripping all over the table. Other dishes like mac and cheese or buttermilk fried chicken are warm and comforting, like a big hug from a reliable old pal.