The Retreat

Head down to St John's Street in the town centre and you'll find yourself in exactly the kind of pub that's become rarer than it should be. The Retreat takes itself seriously about what goes in your glass—cask ales and craft options dominate—but keeps the atmosphere resolutely unpretentious. You'll find regulars propping up the bar alongside curious newcomers, all of whom seem genuinely interested in talking about what they're drinking. It's not trying to be trendy or Instagram-friendly; it's just doing the fundamentals brilliantly.