The Island House - Stafford Road

You'll find this place doing its own thing on the stretch of Stafford Road that leads out towards Fordhouses, and honestly, that's exactly where it belongs. The Caribbean-influenced menu sits surprisingly well alongside traditional pub fare – the jerk chicken is genuinely spiced right, not the bland approximation you get elsewhere in town. The bar setup is nothing fancy, but the staff know their regulars and pour a proper pint. It's the sort of place where you can bring your parents for Sunday lunch or settle in with mates for a proper session. The portions are generous without being silly about it, and at these prices, you're getting decent value for food that's actually been thought about rather than microwaved.