Orange Tree

You'll find this McMullen's outpost doing exactly what it should: serving up proper pub food that doesn't try too hard while looking considerably smarter than your average boozer. The exposed brickwork and wooden floors create that contemporary pub feel without veering into gastropub pretension. The kitchen knows its audience, turning out crowd-pleasing dishes that hit the spot whether you're here for a quick lunch or settling in for the evening. It's the kind of place where you can bring your parents, meet mates for a pint, or grab dinner on a Tuesday without overthinking it. The extended Friday hours tell you everything about its local following – this is where Hitchin comes to unwind.