The Stag

Head out towards Flackwell Heath and you'll find The Stag tucked away on Heath End Road — the sort of place where regulars have their spots at the bar and the staff actually know what they're pouring. It's got that straightforward pub appeal: decent cask ales, the kind of food that doesn't pretend to be something it isn't, and enough character in the room to make you want to linger over a pint rather than rush through. The 4.2-star rating from over 400 reviews speaks to consistency rather than flash, which feels right for a neighbourhood local that's clearly doing the basics well.