The Boaters Inn

You'll find yourself down by the water at Canbury Gardens, which already sets the tone—this isn't a high street boozer, it's got breathing room. The Boaters Inn pulls off that tricky balance of being genuinely welcoming whether you're after a quiet pint or planning to stick around for food. The Thames views from the garden are the real draw here, especially when the weather actually cooperates. It's the kind of place locals defend fiercely because it keeps things unpretentious while still caring about what ends up in your glass and on your plate.