Glassworks

You'll find this Greene King operation tucked just off the main drag, and while that chain association might make you wary, Glassworks manages to feel more neighbourhood local than corporate cookie-cutter. The interior strikes a balance between polished and comfortable, with enough character to suggest someone actually thought about the space rather than just rolling out the standard fit. The food goes well beyond typical pub grub – think proper Sunday roasts and well-executed classics that justify the mid-range prices. What really works here is the mix: office workers grabbing lunch, locals settling in for the evening, and the occasional tourist who's wandered off Queen Street. The staff seem to actually know their regulars, which counts for a lot in a city centre spot that could easily phone it in.