The Charles Dickens

You'll find yourself in a proper old-school pub the moment you step through the doors—all dark wood, period features, and that lived-in warmth that comes from actually being loved by regulars. The Charles Dickens sits right on Victoria Parade, close enough to the beach that you can taste the sea air, and it's the kind of place where you can nurse a pint of real ale without feeling rushed. The kitchen does straightforward gastropub classics: think elevated comfort food rather than anything fussy—roasts done right, pies that don't mess about, and daily specials that change with what's good. It's a proper community spot, the sort where you'll overhear locals debating the merits of different breweries and the staff actually remembers your order.