The Water House

You'll find this unpretentious local right on North Road, the kind of place that opens its doors at 9am and keeps them open till the small hours most nights. It's not trying to reinvent the wheel, just serving up solid pub fare and well-kept ales to a mix of locals, students, and anyone who appreciates a straightforward drinking establishment without the bells and whistles. The appeal here is in its reliability rather than innovation. You can count on a decent pint, hearty portions that won't break the bank, and staff who actually seem to enjoy their jobs. It's the sort of pub where you pop in for one and somehow find yourself settling in for the evening, especially when the conversation's flowing and there's no pressure to move on to somewhere trendier.