Witch & Wardrobe

You're walking along Waterside North, that lovely stretch where the Witham actually feels like part of the city rather than something to ignore, and you spot this place wedged right by the water. The Witch & Wardrobe leans into its name with proper commitment—think wooden beams, cosy nooks and that slightly chaotic charm of a place that doesn't take itself seriously. It's the kind of pub where locals actually drink, where you might find real ales on rotation and honest food that won't disappear in two bites. The riverside setting means you get natural light and a bit of breathing room, even when it's rammed on a Friday night.