The Empress

Walk into The Empress and you'll clock immediately this isn't trying to be anything it's not. Thoday Street's got that slightly lived-in charm—all independent shops and people who've actually chosen to be here—and this pub fits right in. You're looking at honest pub fare, the kind of place where regulars have their spots and the bar staff know what you drink. The ale selection's solid, and there's a real sense that whoever's running it actually cares about pouring a decent pint rather than chasing Instagram followers.