The Wishing Well

You're on Oxford Road heading towards town and you spot The Wishing Well — it's got that welcoming neighbourhood pub energy without trying too hard. This Craft Union spot does the essentials right: decent ales on tap, the kind of food that doesn't pretend to be something it's not, and a room full of people who actually seem to be enjoying themselves rather than performing for Instagram. It's where you'd genuinely bump into mates, grab a pint after work, or settle in for a proper Sunday roast without any faffing about.