The Great Western

You'll find this place just off Corn Hill, a proper spit-and-sawdust sort of pub that's managed to keep its soul intact while half the boozers in town have gone all gastropub on us. The Great Western knows what it is - a local's local that happens to do a cracking Sunday roast and keeps its ales in good nick. The crowd's a proper mix: railway workers finishing their shifts, regulars who've been propping up the bar since the Major years, and younger punters who've clocked that sometimes you just want a pint without having to discuss the provenance of your chips. Food's honest pub grub done well - nothing fancy, everything tasty. Opens at half eleven most days, which is handy if you're the sort who fancies a swift one with your dinner.