Forrest & Co at The Punch Hotel

You'll find yourself in one of Hull's better-kept drinking spots when you push through the doors of The Punch Hotel on Queen Victoria Square. Forrest & Co has carved out a reputation for doing the basics brilliantly—good beer selection, honest food, and staff who aren't pretending. The vibe is relaxed without being slack; it's where you can nurse a pint and actually chat with mates without competing with unbearable noise levels. It's the sort of pub that works equally well for a Friday night out or a casual weekday drink, which is rarer than you'd think round here.