Mulberry Bush

Walk down Upper Ground towards the Thames and you'll find yourself in one of those pubs that actually feels like it belongs to the neighbourhood rather than catering to it. The Mulberry Bush has the look of a proper local—dark wood, decent-sized bar, enough character that it doesn't feel chain-adjacent. You're here because the real ales rotate, the kitchen turns out solid British comfort food (think pies, proper burgers, that sort of thing), and it's the kind of place where you can happily nurse a pint for two hours without feeling guilty. It's packed enough on weekends that you'll meet people, quiet enough on weekday afternoons that you can actually think.