The Hoptimist - Spondon

You'll find yourself on a quiet stretch of Spondon where locals actually live, not where the chain restaurants congregate. The Hoptimist has that rare quality of feeling genuinely welcoming whether you're popping in for a pint after work or settling in for the evening. The beer selection is genuinely thoughtful—they've clearly put effort into stocking interesting craft options alongside the classics, and the staff know what they're talking about. Food-wise, expect proper pub fare done well, the kind of place where your mate's already sent you a photo of their pie.