Bars & Pubs

'A Great British Tradition' runs the wording around this 600-year-old pub between the Cenotaph and Big Ben. And with Spitfire, Courage Directors, Fuller's London Pride, Theakston Old Peculiar, Old Speckled Hen, Black Sheep bitter and John Smith's poured in wood-panelled surroundings, while sideburned politicians from Gladstone's day look down, who could gainsay such a statement? Continental Zywiec, Budvar and Peroni hide among the bottles in the fridge, as do a few New World wines (Cape Province chenin blanc, £3.25/£12.35) - although they accompany the distinctly British fish and chips (£7.99) and steaks (£7.25) served in the restaurant upstairs.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9