O'Neill's Northampton

You'll find this proper Irish boozer right in the heart of The Drapery, where the dark wood panelling and emerald green signage immediately set expectations. The interior delivers on that promise – think traditional pub décor with plenty of nooks for intimate pints and larger areas perfect for watching the match with mates. The Guinness pours properly here (they know what they're doing), and the food menu covers all the pub classics you'd expect – fish and chips, bangers and mash, proper Sunday roasts. It's the sort of place where you pop in for a quick pint after shopping and end up staying for three hours because the atmosphere just draws you in. The staff know their regulars, the screens show all the big games, and there's usually a decent buzz without being overwhelmingly rowdy.