The Traveller's Joy

The Traveller's Joy began as a thatched ale house, and travellers and tinkers working around the island's north-western shores once stopped here. It's now a country pub at 85 Pallance Road in Northwood village. Muddy boots after a walk are fine, and the owners welcome dogs and children alike, which makes it an easy end to a family walk. If drinks turn into a game of pool, there's a table for it.

Food is home-cooked, with Sunday roasts and a pie night that gives you a date to build dinner around. The kitchen keeps its own timetable, separate from the bar, and does function buffets for bigger parties, which takes the pressure off hosting a birthday or get-together at home. Outside, the garden has a children's play area and a pétanque court, so a long Sunday lunch doesn't have to keep the children at the table.

Open mic suits anyone who plays guitar or sings, and spoken contributions get a turn too. Nobody has to perform; plenty of people listen from a seat. Quiz nights fill other evenings. If you're in the village for a fair at the County Showground, the pub is another stop in Northwood for a meal while the kitchen is serving.