The Head of the River, Oxford

You'll find yourself perched right on the Thames at this sprawling Fuller's operation, where the terrace offers some of the best river views in Oxford. The location is genuinely spectacular – watching punters navigate Folly Bridge while nursing a pint of London Pride never gets old, even if you've done it a hundred times. The food won't win any awards but it's competent pub fare done well – think proper fish and chips, decent Sunday roasts, and burgers that actually taste like beef. Yes, it's touristy and yes, it gets rammed during summer, but there's something undeniably satisfying about this place. The staff know their way around a busy service, and unlike some riverside spots that coast on location alone, they actually seem to care about what they're serving.