Mean-Eyed Cat

You descend into what feels like a proper American dive bar, complete with country memorabilia and that perfectly dim lighting that makes everyone look better after a whiskey or two. The bartenders here know their way around a shaker – this isn't some themed gimmick serving sugary cocktails with sparklers. They're mixing proper drinks with good bourbon and taking their craft seriously, whether you're after a classic Old Fashioned or something more adventurous from their regularly changing menu. The Johnny Cash theme could easily veer into kitsch, but they've pitched it just right. It's cosy enough for a date but has that edge that makes it perfect for a night that might get a bit messy. The sort of place where you pop in for one and emerge three hours later wondering where the evening went.