Vaulty Towers

Walk down Lower Marsh and you'll find yourself in one of Waterloo's best-kept corners—tucked away from the theatre crowds and tourist traps. Vaulty Towers is the kind of pub that feels like it's been here forever, even if it hasn't, with a genuinely decent selection of craft beers and cask ales that don't require a degree in fermentation to enjoy. The food actually matters here too; this isn't a place serving microwaved pies alongside your pint. The vibe is refreshingly unpretentious—locals prop up the bar, friends huddle in corners, and there's enough character in the room that you don't feel obliged to stay glued to your phone. It's exactly what a neighbourhood pub should be.