Bars & Pubs

The former Blue Coat Boy was rebuilt in ornate Victorian style in the mid-19th century, its parliamentary connections illustrated by the portraits of past PMs up the staircase to the carvery. Downstairs in the main bar, a spacious, wooden interior accommodates many a hungry tourist happy to tuck into the likes of organic beef and Bombardier pie (£7.99) but somewhat confused by the draught beer of the same name and its various counterparts: Greene King IPA; Fuller's London Pride; Adnams Broadside and Courage Directors. Treacle sponge (£3.19) may also require some explanation. Most seem happy, though, some even parting with pounds, euros or dollars for a beer mug or T-shirt souvenir.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9