The Haywain, Bridgend

You'll find The Haywain tucked away on Coychurch Road, the kind of local that doesn't need to shout about itself. It's the place where regulars know the bar staff by name and the menu doesn't pretend to be anything it's not—just decent pub grub at reasonable prices. The atmosphere strikes that sweet spot between lively enough that you're not sitting in silence, but relaxed enough that you can actually have a conversation without shouting. Whether you're popping in for a quick drink after work or settling in with mates for a few hours, it does the job properly.