Golden Cross

You'll find this traditional boozer tucked down Hay Lane, a proper survivor in a city centre that's seen plenty of changes. The Golden Cross has that reassuring pub solidity – dark wood, worn carpet, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for the afternoon with a pint and the papers. The food's honest pub fare done well, with generous portions that won't leave you feeling ripped off. Sunday roasts draw a proper crowd, and their weekday lunch deals make sense if you're working nearby. It's the sort of place where regulars still prop up the bar and newcomers are made welcome without fuss. The early closing on Sundays might catch you out, but that just adds to its old-school charm.