The White Swan Hotel, Stratford

You're walking down Rother Street and you spot the black and white timber-framed frontage – that's The White Swan, and it's been there since the 15th century. This isn't some themed tourist trap playing dress-up; it's a working hotel where locals actually pop in for a drink and a meal, which tells you everything you need to know. The bar has that satisfying worn-in feeling, all dark wood and low ceilings, and the restaurant does straightforward British food without pretension – roasts, pies, proper comfort stuff that pairs nicely with a pint. It sits perfectly positioned between the Swan Theatre and the town centre, making it an obvious choice if you're catching a show or just want somewhere reliable for dinner.