The Athelstan Arms

You'll find yourself in the kind of place where regulars have their spots and the bartender knows what you're after before you ask. The Athelstan Arms sits comfortably on the Bournemouth side of Christchurch, serving the sort of uncomplicated pub food that actually satisfies—think hearty mains that won't bankrupt you at around £12-15 a plate. The atmosphere is pleasantly unpretentious; there's real conversation happening at the bar, not self-conscious Instagram moments. Weekends tend to get properly busy, which tells you everything about whether locals rate it.