Back in the day I started with a Carlsboro Cobra 90W head into a noname 1x15 cab and it was plenty loud enough but sounded sh*t.
I then got myself a Sessionette 100W 4x10 combo which saw me play places like the Marquee and The Mean Fiddler without any fuss.
These days I use a TecAmp Puma900 into a selection of Barefaced gear - overkill for sure - but I love having the headroom.
I don't play pubs, mind.