The Shooting Star

Head down Bevois Valley and you'll find yourself in the kind of bar that doesn't need to try too hard. The Shooting Star has that effortless neighbourhood feel—worn-in wooden furniture, proper pints, and regulars who've probably been coming here for years. It's the sort of place where you can nurse a drink without anyone expecting you to Instagram it, though the 4.4-star rating suggests plenty of people are making the trip deliberately. The vibe is refreshingly unpretentious: you're after a solid night out with mates, not a scene.