The Kensington Arms

You'll find this red-brick Victorian corner pub doing everything a proper local should, but better than most. The front bar buzzes with Redland regulars nursing pints and proper cocktails, while the back dining room fills with families demolishing some of Bristol's better Sunday roasts. The kitchen knows what it's doing – think elevated pub grub that doesn't try too hard, alongside a drinks list that takes itself seriously without being pretentious. What sets the Ken apart is how it manages to feel both polished and properly pubby. You can roll up in your joggers for a quick pint or book ahead for dinner without feeling out of place either way. The staff genuinely seem to enjoy working here, which always shows.