The Phoenix

You'll find this place holding down the fort on Gosford Street, where it's become something of a local institution without losing its authentic pub soul. The Phoenix has managed that tricky balance of keeping the regulars happy while drawing in a younger crowd who appreciate decent food alongside their pints. The kitchen turns out proper pub grub that goes well beyond the usual suspects, and the weekend atmosphere builds to something properly buzzy as the hours tick by. What sets it apart is the late licence – when most of the city centre has called it a night, this place keeps the lights on and the drinks flowing. It's the kind of spot where you pop in for a quick one and somehow find yourself settling in for the duration, especially when there's football on or the weekend crowd gets going.