Yard of Ale

Walk down Justins Ave and you'll find yourself in proper pub territory, away from the madness of Bridge Street. The Yard of Ale is exactly what it says on the tin: a place where locals actually want to spend an evening, not somewhere you've been shepherded towards by a guidebook. The beer selection is solid, the staff know regulars by name, and there's a refreshingly no-nonsense atmosphere that feels increasingly rare in a town that can feel overrun with Shakespeare-themed tat. It's the kind of spot where you might catch a match on the telly, stumble into a conversation at the bar, or simply sit with a decent pint and forget the throngs outside.