The Spotted Dog

You walk in and immediately get that feeling – this is a proper local's spot. The Spotted Dog does what it does brilliantly: it's the kind of place where you can grab a pint and a pie on a Tuesday night, or bring mates for a boozy Saturday session without anyone batting an eyelid. The vibe is easy-going, with enough character to make it feel lived-in rather than designed, and the food actually matters here – they're not just pushing microwaved pub fare. With nearly 1,000 five-star reviews, people clearly can't get enough of what they're doing.