Bars & Pubs

You would have to know it's here, this unprepossessing freehouse by the mainline rails heading out from London Bridge station, but regulars can always be found as you step into its scuffed-wood and few-frills interior. Further inspection reveals a wonderful collection of caricatures (if not characters) from Dickens' novels; by then you would have noticed the pumps of Sharp's Eden Ale, Harveys Best, Slater's Queen Bee, Wethergate Essex Bomber and Dirty Dick and Golden Arrow, and taps of Bitburger and San Miguel. There's a choice of a dozen wines, too, that make ideal accompaniments to the hearty mains (lamb shank, £8.25).

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9