Astolat Pub

Head down Old Palace Road towards the castle end of town and you'll find yourself in the kind of pub that doesn't need to try too hard. The Astolat pulls in a genuine mix of locals—the after-work crowd, weekend drinkers, families grabbing lunch—without ever feeling like it's performing for anyone. You get proper cask ales on rotation, a food menu that doesn't overcomplicate things, and staff who know what they're doing. It's the sort of place where you can spend two hours nursing a pint and a burger without anyone making you feel rushed, or pop in for a quick drink and feel entirely at home.