The Shipping Forecast

You'll find this place buzzing most nights, especially when there's live music on. The rustic-contemporary fit-out strikes the right balance between scruffy pub charm and somewhere you'd actually want to bring your parents. The food's several notches above standard pub fare – think proper comfort dishes done well rather than anything fancy. What really sets it apart is the music programming. They book brilliant acts regularly, from indie bands to acoustic sessions, and the sound setup is spot-on. Even when there's no gig on, the atmosphere stays lively thanks to a crowd that's equal parts local regulars and music scene types. The drinks selection covers all bases without trying too hard to be craft everything.