Bars & Pubs

One of just three London pubs operated by the Dorset brewery Hall & Woodhouse, the Mason's Arms isn't one for showing off. There's no stripped pine and no farmer's market menu, just an assortment of very decent Badger ales (notably Best Bitter and Golden Ale) and some less interesting Hofbräu lagers, poured for the benefit of talkative punters who cluster around a central bar and a couple of gas-powered 'open' fires, or else tuck themselves away in a pleasingly bizarre, one-table snug. It's nothing more or less than a tidy, welcoming and likeably old-fashioned little local in a part of town where you might not expect to find one.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9