This is the closest pub to my front door. I could probably run there in 20 seconds, if I had to. It was the sort of smoke-filled regulars-only place that I never used to bother with, but since the smoking ban I think it's a lot more welcoming.
It's a pretty standard pub, but not overly modernized. The iron-legged tables, bench seats, and chairs have been around for a while. The front room is quite spacious, and never crowded, since it's on a back street behind the mall that few people know about. The back room has some longer tables, a big screen TV for sport, and a fruit machine, if I recall correctly.
There are a couple of outdoor seats for when the weather's warm.
Standard beers on tap for this end of town, which means some Fuller's ales.
They've got occasional quiz nights on Wednesday. I went once and found the quiz regulars formidable opponents, but very friendly and accomodating for newcomers. And my team didn't come last!
EDIT: This pub has undergone a renovation: some new paint, some tidying up of the decor, a new kitchen in the back by the looks of things. There are a few fancier lagers on tap. On first glance it seems to have lost a bit of character, but it'll take some time to grow into itself I think. read more