Pubs in opposite directions (4)
I believe the answer is:
inns
'pubs' is the definition.
(an inn is a type of pub)
'in opposite directions' is the wordplay.
'opposite directions' becomes 'NS' (opposite compass points).
'in'+'ns'='INNS'
(Other definitions for inns that I've seen before include "travellers' accommodation" , "Drink here and learn about the King's law" , "Country taverns" , "Public houses" , "King's ..., for the legal eagles" .)