The best pubs in The Lanes

The Walrus in Ship Street is a sprawling Lanes pub full of surprises, from its rooftop garden and hidden cocktail bar to a basement club and traditional dining rooms. Guests can enjoy everything from pub classics and Sunday roasts to comedy nights, quizzes, and karaoke, all in tastefully decorated spaces with a welcoming atmosphere. With versatile areas and a supportive team on hand, The Walrus caters to everything from casual drinks to full-scale events, making it a true all-rounder.

Dating back to the mid-16th century, The Cricketers is a Victorian gem furnished with plush red velvet and walls lined with vintage prints. Its warren of cosy rooms opens onto a courtyard with a high-tech digital dart board for modern gaming fun. The menu puts a twist on classic pub fare, spotlighting quality local ingredients. Upstairs there's an elegant function room as well – it's named after Graham Greene, who used to frequent this pub in The Lanes.

The Seven Stars pub in The Lanes conceals a vast interior behind its ornate façade, stretching all the way back to a skylit conservatory area that's a lovely spot for a romantic outing. Though its roots go back centuries, it was refurbished recently and today boasts a striking Art Deco interior with velvet seating, mirrored walls, and a dash of nostalgic glamour throughout. In addition to serving classic pub fare and locally sourced drinks, the pub hosts live music several nights a week.

A bit of a cult favourite when it comes to great pubs in The Lanes, The Hop Poles is a quirky little boozer with a whole lot of charm. There's a covered garden out the back to go with the retro interior and light, cheery atmosphere. The current kitchen residency serves up Thai bar snacks as well as heartier dishes like curries, and there's a proper roast dinner on Sundays too.

The Pump House, a Nicholson's pub in The Lanes, expounds on centuries of history with the comforts of a modern chain. Medieval cellars sit beneath its two spacious floors, where guests can enjoy pints, classic pub food, and a lively atmosphere. Whether people-watching from the pavement tables or settling into a cosy corner inside, it's a welcoming spot for all, families included.

Fiddler's Elbow, a convivial Irish pub near The Lanes, is appreciated for serving one of the best pints of Guinness in town alongside a wide choice of craft beers. Sports fans can catch everything from rugby and football to golf, cricket, and NFL on the screens. The pub also keeps the atmosphere buzzing with regular live music.

Tucked away in The Lanes, The Mesmerist draws crowds who like their pints served with a side of tunes. The retro pub interior, dressed in a sleek black-and-white palette, is complemented by a sunny outdoor terrace perfect for lazy afternoons. With an ever-changing line-up of live bands and DJs spinning a range of genres, plus a rotating kitchen residency to keep appetites satisfied, it's a lively spot that keeps things fresh night after night.

Nestled along a historic passageway, The Bath Arms has been pouring pints for more than 160 years. Its red frontage and cosy interior, complete with patterned wallpaper and a crackling fireplace, make it one of the most charming pubs in The Lanes. Behind the bar, you'll find everything from hand-pulled cask ales to top-shelf spirits, while the kitchen serves seasonal small plates and hearty pub favourites.

A long-standing fixture in The Lanes' pub scene, The Druid's Head has been around since the 16th century, picking up not one but three resident ghosts through the ages. Chilling ghost stories aside, it's a warm and welcoming spot for the whole family. Expect Greene King ales on tap, plenty of other drinks to choose from, and a menu of comforting pub classics and hearty Sunday roasts to round things off.

The Victory is a classic Lanes pub that knows exactly what makes a great local tick. Pints are poured with care, hearty pub fare comes fresh from the kitchen, and the atmosphere is lively, thanks to regular live music, open mic nights, and other fun gatherings. With its striking green-and-white tiled exterior and intricately carved ceiling, it's as pleasing on the eyes as the soul.