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The Best Pubs in Britain: Drink, Eat and Enjoy
By Bronwen Roberts
If you want to experience the real culture of Britain make sure you visit some of the local pubs. Whether you're on holiday or are living in London, you'll find the pub is Britain's national pastime and by not embracing it you're definitely out in the cold. It's a meeting place for 3 nights of the week to the 25 million people who frequent 61.000 pubs all over Britain. The pub is the heart and hub of life and culture in Britain and if you haven't experienced one, chances are you won't get to know the real Britain.
Pub Etiquette
Some of the older pub interiors still have that fake historicism; are smoky as hell and bombard you with bad disco music. However, this is all part of the charm! There are pubs that have taken on a more modern approach with the décor and serve a better variety of food. Die-hard pub traditionalists are not in favour of these 'wine bars' and declare that design alone does not a great place make.
The local pub culture and etiquette is fascinating, which is why social scientists at SIRC decided to study the phenomenon of the British pub. Some of SIRC's findings were published in Pubwatching with Desmond Morris (1993) and its sequel Women in Pubs (1994). In 1995, for Passport to the Pub, the SIRC Research team embarked on another six-month anthropological pub-crawl. In total, the research on which this book is based has involved observation work in over 800 pubs, consultations with over 500 publicans and bar staff and interviews with over 1000 pub-goers, both locals and tourists. So get reading before you embark on your pub crawl.
The best Pubs in Britain
The Anchor
34 Park Street, Bankside, SE1
Not far from The George Inn and situated close to the replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, this is a large pub with lots of history and a view of the River Thames.
The Cock Tavern
Smithfield Central Markets, EC1
A full English breakfast with a pint of ale or alternatively kippers and smoked haddock are on offer here. Mix with the rumbustuous, friendly workers from London's oldest meat market from 05.30 - 10.30.
The Counting House
50 Cornhill, EC3
Located in the heart of the City of London, The Counting House is a former bank which retains much of the original interior. The mosaic floor displays the names and dates of former bank branches. Lots of impressive mahogany, a glass domed atrium and chandeliers too. London brewed Fullers beer, with freshly made pies.
The Crusting Pipe
27 The Market, WC2
Strictly speaking more of a wine bar than a pub, although they do serve their own beer. Good atmosphere, wooden tables and fine wine. The food's good, particularly the cold cuts. If you like a glass of port, then try Davy's Vintage Character.
Doggett's
Blackfriars Bridge, SE1.
There has been a pub on this South Bank site since Elizabethan times - although much changed over the centuries. After extensive refurbishment, it now features four floors of completely redesigned bars, to suit relaxing or lively lunchtimes or evenings. There is a brand new menu catering for all tastes and quite reasonably priced. Doggett's is named after Thomas Doggett, comedian, actor, theatre manager, author and wit of the 17th century.
Flyman & Firkin
166 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2.
Another of the famous Firkin pubs but this one features an on site micro brewery. Look out for unusual brews; anyone for Dogbalti, curry flavoured beers or perhaps chilli beer?
Founders Arms
52 Hopton Street, Bankside, SE1.
A modern pub located on the South Bank named after and built on the site of a former foundry. The bells for St Paul's Cathedral were cast here and you can sip on your beer whilst watching the traffic on the River Thames.
The Globe
8 Bedale Street, SE1
In need of a drink in the early hours, then try this pub, frequented by market traders from nearby Borough Market. Open between- 06.30 - 09.30 (Tuesday to Saturday)
The Good Mixer
30 Inverness St, off Camden High Street, NW1
Don't be surprised if you spot a mid level Britpop celebrity or two in here, hanging out after a recording session at a nearby studio. There is a pool table, and many smokers, so be prepared - very popular with Brits and tourists alike.
Goose & Firkin
47 Borough Road, SE1
Part of a chain of Firkin pubs, but don't be put off, the formula's good and so is the beer. Wooden floors with sawdust, traditional cockney sing songs around a piano. You even get song sheets so you can join in. Respectably raucous and great fun!
The Grenadier
18 Wilton Row, SW1
Once the officers' mess for the Duke of Wellington's regiment this is a cosy pub set in a private mews running parallel to Knightsbridge. Wooden floors, real English ale and a small traditional English restaurant. The Beef Wellington is highly recommended.
The House They Left Behind
27 Ropemaker's Fields, E14
A pub with plenty of history in the heart of the East End. Once teeming with workers from the docks and residents of the local area, this pub sits alone as all the old tenements and houses have been demolished. A wide variety of beers are available and it's definitely worth a visit.
Marquis Of Anglesey
39 Bow Street, WC2.
Recent winner of the Association of London Brewers award for best pub food in London! Famous Youngs beer is served: a la carte and set menu available.
The Moon Under The Water
28 Leicester Square, WC2
Part of the growing and popular Wetherspoons group of pubs. Wetherspoons have developed a winning formula; light, airy, traditionally styled pubs and probably the cheapest beer in London. With lots of brews to choose from and reasonably priced food, don't pass up this opportunity.
Museum Tavern
49 Great Russell Street, WC1
Before or after a trip to the British Museum, why not pop across the street to this big, ornate Victorian pub, stuffed to the gills with etched mirrors and gilded carvings. It opens for breakfast at 09.30, but alcohol is only served during regular licensing hours.
Nags Head
53 Kinnerton Street, SW1
A popular pub with a friendly locals and convivial atmosphere, which is just as well because of its small size. The famous London brewed Youngs beer is served here.
The Old Bank Of England
194 Fleet Street, EC4
Fine Fullers beers and pies in the former law court branch of the Bank of England. No shortage of space, impressive architecture and staff are on the ball; you'll have no problems being served: the Old Bank boasts 31 hand pumps.
The Pembroke
Primrose Hill, NW1
The Pembroke has an open layout and is decorated using smoky blue hues, barley yellow walls and rich wood trimmings. The design is enhanced with large mirrors and coloured stained glass. The open log fire is a welcome retreat on cold days. A cosy pub: with fashionable bar and continental café with a menu that ranges from lemon chicken and noodles to beef bourguignon.
The Swagman's Rest
596 Holloway Road, N1.
This pub is a must for the long haul traveller. Aimed at the back pack crowd, it offers a homely atmosphere combined with all the comforts of home, in the shape of nine large television screens, showing Sky sports from around the world. You can even email home for free: Live music acts are a regular occurrence.
Westminster Arms
9 Storey's Gate, SW1
Outside of the House of Commons Bar which is closed to the public, this is the most popular pub for the UK's MP's. If you happen to visit when voting is taking place in the nearby Houses of Parliament they even have a bell to call them back to vote!
Wilton Arms
71 Kinnerton Street, SW1
Edwardian decor with intimate nooks and crannies, with lots of knick-knacks and brass artefacts. When you have finished here walk a few steps to the Nags Head.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Wine Office Court, 145 Fleet Street, EC4
Good reasonably priced beer with lots of atmosphere. With lots of bars to choose from this 17th century pub has oak tables and wooden floors covered in free sawdust.
Youngs Brewery
Wandsworth, SW18
Youngs brewery still delivers to selected pubs using horse drawn drays. You can take a tour of the stables, see the working horses, and watch beer being brewed in the brewhouse and of course sample the beer in the adjacent Brewery Tap pub.
About the Author
1st Contact provides UK packages that make your living in London easy. Their 'Kickstart' package offers assistance with opening a UK bank account. There's a London Orientation meeting, where you will learn about settling in London and how to obtain a National Insurance number, Tax, Employment and Accommodation; also a Contact Card offering loads of great discounts to use in and around London. 1st Contact is your good time guarantee.
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