The Giffard Arms

You'd walk past this Victoria Street stalwart without a second glance if you didn't know better, nestled as it is in the shadow of the Mander Centre. But step inside and you'll find one of the city centre's most reliable drinking dens, the sort of place that's weathered decades of retail upheaval while keeping its focus firmly on what matters: decent beer and proper pub atmosphere. The Giffard pulls a proper pint and knows its clientele – a mix of shoppers seeking refuge, office workers decompressing, and weekend warriors who appreciate that 3am closing time. It's not trying to be anything fancy, just a solid boozer that does the basics brilliantly. The sort of place where conversation flows as freely as the ale, and nobody's checking their phone because they're actually having a laugh.