Windmill Chargrill

You'll find yourself in Thurlestone Walk heading towards a place that looks like your mate's local but cooks like it's got something to prove. The Windmill takes its grilling seriously—thick-cut steaks, lamb chops and burgers that taste like they've been properly charred rather than just warmed through. It's the kind of pub where the food is genuinely the main event rather than an afterthought, though you can absolutely just pop in for a proper pint and some bar snacks if that's your mood. The crowd's mixed: families on a Friday, groups of lads after work, couples who've figured out it's better value than the trendier spots closer to the Hoe.