Bay Horse

You're walking down Lewins Mead towards the city centre and you spot the Bay Horse—the kind of pub that doesn't need to try hard because it's been doing the same thing right for years. It's a Greene King spot, sure, but it punches above the chain stereotype with a proper neighbourhood feel. The clientele's a mix of office workers, regulars who've probably been coming since the 90s, and students ducking in for something decent and unpretentious. The ales are solid, the staff aren't trying to upsell you on craft cocktails, and there's an unforced warmth to the place that makes you want to stay for a second pint.