O'Neill's Broad Street

You know how chain Irish pubs usually feel about as authentic as a plastic shamrock? O'Neill's somehow sidesteps that trap entirely. The Broad Street branch has managed to carve out its own identity amongst the strip's endless parade of bars and clubs, becoming the sort of place where you'll find Villa fans drowning their sorrows alongside students celebrating the end of term. The Guinness here is genuinely excellent – they've clearly trained their staff properly on the two-part pour – and the food goes well beyond typical pub grub without losing its soul. Weekend nights see the place absolutely rammed, but in the best possible way. It's got that rare ability to feel properly Irish without being naff about it, which is no small feat on a street that's seen more theme bars than a Wetherspoons convention.