The Albany Hotel

You'll find The Albany right in the thick of North Street, that busy stretch where the university life happens. It's the kind of place that's been doing its thing for years without needing to shout about it — the Victorian architecture means high ceilings and period details, but the atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious. The bar pulls a steady crowd of students, staff, and townies alike, especially when the golf's on or there's a match at Hampden. The restaurant does proper food without trying to be clever about it, and you'll actually see locals booking tables here rather than just tourists passing through.