Bars & Pubs

One of many gastropubs within easy reach of the Guardian offices, Gunmakers is popular with lunching hacks but also operates as an excellent natter-filled bar. Draught Young's, Bombardier and Staropramen are consumed with as much relish as the wine list of 16 varieties, whose Italian influence harks back to the time when this area was known as Little Italy. Frame makers and organ builders worked here, as did Hiram Maxim, inventor of the machine gun - hence the pub's name. In any case, there's a D'Istinto sangiovese (£3.65/ £15.50) or Provincia di Pavia pinot grigio (£16) to go with your fennel and mascarpone risotto or pasta of the day (both £8.50). The underused white-walled back room allows dining space but not much sociability.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9