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The Lamb and Flag This
old-world establishment tucked up an alley looks much as it did in
Charles Dickens’ day. In the heart of Covent Garden, it can get crowded –
during the summer drinkers spill outside into the quiet alley. The
17th-century poet John Dryden was severely beaten up outside the pub
which was known as The Bucket of Blood because of the bareknuckle fights
held here .
Lamb and Flag, Covent Garden
Dog and Duck This
small, tiled Victorian pub is like a cosy front room in the heart of
Soho. The Dog and Duck has a tiny bar, where you might bump into art
students and designers, and a blackboard with the latest selection of
beers from all corners of England .
Dog and Duck, Soho
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese In
an alley off Fleet Street, this warren of rooms still seems as if it
should have sawdust on the floors. Rebuilt in 1667, after the Great Fire
of London, it was a favourite of Dr Johnson and other writers. Never too crowded, its intimate corners make a good meeting place, made cozier with fires in winter. George Inn Built
in 1676, this is the only galleried coaching inn left in London, and
was taken over by the National Trust in 1937. You can enjoy the
well-kept beers in its myriad old rooms, with lattice windows and wooden
beams, or in the large courtyard .
Sign, George Inn
Jerusalem Tavern A
delightful little pub with cubicles, a small bar and little more than
the 18th-century coffee shop it once was. People come here to try out
the full range of a rare but popular brewery, St Peter’s in Suffolk.
Light meals are served at lunchtime. Spaniards Inn This
lovely 16th-century pub north of Hampstead Heath, with a large,
attractive beer garden, is steeped in history and romance: the
18th-century highwayman Dick Turpin drank here, along with literary
luminaries Keats, Shelley and Byron .
Princess Louise The
Princess Louise is a beautiful 19th-century pub with stained-glass
windows, nooks and alcoves. An unexpected bonus is the beer for under £2
a pint, as well as hearty and delicious pies and puddings. The Grapes Built
in the 1720s, with wooden floors and panelling, The Grapes has survived
the modern development of Docklands, retaining its traditional charm
and informal atmosphere. The back bar has an open fire for the winter
months and a terrace by the Thames for the summer. The excellent
upstairs restaurant is renowned for its fish dishes. 76 Narrow Street E14 DLR Westferry
The Eagle This
large Victorian pub is popular, crowded and lively, with many coming
here to eat the excellent, mainly Mediterranean, food. Portions are
large and inexpensive, and can be washed down with a good selection of
beer and wine . 159 Farringdon Road EC1 Tube Farringdon No bookings
French House This
was once a meeting place for the French Resistance during World War II,
when it was given its name. Gaining a reputation as a bohemian
bolthole, it was also frequented by artists and poets such as Francis
Bacon, Brendan Behan and Dylan Thomas. It is now well known for its
refreshing Breton cider and fine wines.
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