Starting Gate

You're walking into the kind of pub that doesn't need to reinvent itself—it just works. The Starting Gate sits on Candle Meadow in a spot that's convenient whether you're heading to the Lace Market or just fancying a pint after work. It's got that reliable Greene King backbone, meaning the ales are well-kept and the menu won't surprise you, but that's precisely the point. This is where locals actually go, not somewhere you'll find Instagram influencers staging shots. The vibe is refreshingly unpretentious: mix of regulars at the bar, groups catching up over drinks, and people who just want a decent pub experience without the theatrics.