Colonel Porter's Emporium

You'll either love or hate the full Victorian gentleman's club treatment here – think dark wood panelling, vintage curiosities, and enough brass fittings to outfit a small ship. But once you settle into one of the leather banquettes with their seriously impressive craft beer selection, the theatricality starts feeling less gimmicky and more genuinely atmospheric. The food goes well beyond typical pub fare without getting too precious about it. Their beer-battered fish comes with proper chips and mushy peas that actually taste of something, while the Sunday roasts are generous enough to justify the inevitable post-lunch nap. The staff know their ales – ask for a recommendation and you'll get something thoughtful rather than whatever's easiest to pour. It's become the sort of place where you pop in for one pint and somehow end up closing the place down.