The Poplars Inn

Head down to Pondside and you'll find yourself somewhere that feels genuinely removed from the town centre bustle—the kind of place where regulars have their spots and the landlord knows what you're having before you ask. The Poplars Inn isn't trying to be anything it's not: it's a solid, unfussy local with the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger over a second pint. The fact that it's consistently rated well suggests they're doing something right, whether that's reliable ales, decent company, or just getting the fundamentals spot on.