The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon

You'll spot this one a mile off on St Mary Street - it's the enormous Victorian building that used to house the old Midland Bank, complete with soaring ceilings and original period features that somehow make your £2.50 pint feel slightly more dignified. The Prince does what every good Spoons should: reliable food that won't break the bank, proper breakfast from 8am (crucial for Castle Quarter workers), and beer prices that make you wonder how they do it. Sure, it gets rammed on Friday nights with pre-club crowds, but that's half the charm. The staff keep things moving despite the chaos, and there's enough space that you can usually find a corner to nurse your pint. It's not trying to be anything other than solid, dependable pub fare in impressive surroundings.