Bars & Pubs

Windsor Castle

Marylebone
Dover Castle
|f you only go to one…
An old-school delight – all green leather upholstery, thick carpet and old-looking wood.

Best drink Old Brewery Bitter.
When to go On a weekend afternoon.
Best seat There’s a cosy little side room, or if the weather’s unexpectedly good, a small space outside (not big enough to be called a beer garden).
Best snack Pork scratchings.
43 Weymouth Mews, W1 (020 7580 4412).
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The Feathers
This homely pub claims to be the smallest in London. A refurb hasn’t lessened its scruffy charm.

Best drink Flowers Original.
When to go Just after work if you can get there.
Best seat If it’s not raining, the picnic benches out the front are great for people-watching.
Best snack Twiglets.
43 Linhope St, NW1 (020 7402 1327).

Golden Eagle
Lovely, straight-down-the-line pub with with a well-kept rotating range of St Austell beers.

Best drink St Austell’s Tribute.
When to go Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights when the upright piano gets a run-out.
Best seat Table right at the back.
Best snack Walkers crisps.
59 Marylebone Lane, W1 (020 7935 3228).

O’Conor Don
‘London’s oldest Irish bar’ is mercifully free of the usual craic-tat. Wood-panelling, original windows and authentic Guinness memorabilia.

Best drink Guinness, naturally.
When to go Mid-afternoon on a weekday.
Best seat Why not prop up the bar?
Best snack Irish soda bread and butter.
88 Marylebone Lane, W1 (020 7935 9311).

Windsor Castle
Don’t let the full-size Beefeater mannequin put you off – this isn’t a tacky tourist magnet but a solid and lively drinking hole.

Best drink Bombardier. When to go Early evening, meeting friends.
Best seat Since it’s home to the Handlebar Club, next to the bloke with the most impressive ’tache.
Best snack Walkers crisps.
29 Crawford Place, W1 (020 7723 4371).

Duke of Wellington
The interior is dedicated to all things related to Arthur Wellesley. Weird, but fascinating.

Best drink Adnams.
When to go For a sit-down after shopping.
Best seat Tables by the window.
Best snack Salted peanuts.
94a Crawford St, W1 (020 7224 9435).