In a more residential part of town, The Hopbine is a very quiet local that welcomes you with a smile if you’re a familiar face.

The Venue
Off the beaten track, on the small Fair Street, sits The Hopbine, a simple pub with no airs or graces about it. Its sole aim is to serve pints to the locals.

All the calling cards of a typical pub are present, from the wood-panelled bar with stained-glass panels above it, to the garish fruit machines. Even if you’re not a regular you’ll still feel like you’ve been here before.

The unvarnished wooden floors give an understated look, but plush deep blue armchairs add a nice touch of colour and class.

The People
The Hopbine isn’t near the shops, colleges or tourist attractions, so students and tourists don’t usually wander past. Instead, the locals who live maybe a stone’s throw away like to feel at home by going to their regular pub and becoming a well-known character.

The staff all know the customers well and, while pouring 'the usual', they often engage in a bit of friendly chit-chat.

The Hopbine has a cosy and laidback feel so it's ideal for a quiet drink. It sometimes hosts live music which adds energy to an otherwise dreary evening.

The Drink
The real ale is sometimes available but can be hit and miss so beers are your best bet. Guinness, Kronenbourg, Fosters, Strongbow, Stella and Carlsberg are all available on tap for around £2 a pint.

The wine list and spirits choices are unexciting but reasonably priced, with bottles of wine starting at £10 and spirits around £2 a shot.

The Last Word
A unfussy haven for locals who just want a drink, but The Hopbine can lack in atmosphere at certain times of the day.

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