St James Hotel

You might walk past this Best Western thinking it's just another corporate hotel bar, but step inside and you'll find something more genuine than expected. The bar attracts a solid mix of city centre workers unwinding after long days, couples on date nights, and yes, the occasional hotel guest who's stumbled onto something good. The drinks menu runs deeper than your typical hotel offering, with decent cocktails that won't break the bank and a wine list that shows actual thought. The staff know their stuff and aren't just going through the motions. It's particularly busy on Thursday and Friday evenings when the Lace Market crowd descends, but maintains a relaxed atmosphere that feels more neighbourhood pub than tourist trap.