The Northend Vaults

Head down Northgate Street towards the city centre and you'll spot the heavy wooden doors that lead into something properly atmospheric. The Northend Vaults has that warm, unpretentious feel you want from a proper local—exposed brick, high ceilings in places, the kind of space that feels like it's earned its character rather than been styled for it. You're getting solid beers from breweries that actually know what they're doing, paired with the sort of food that doesn't overcomplicate things. It's the kind of place where you can pop in for one pint after work or settle in for the evening without anyone making you feel rushed.