Bars & Pubs

'Established 1532', says the sign, but a pub stood here even centuries before that. Oval-shaped, with an island bar of similar outline, the Hand & Shears is named after the Tudor tailors' guild that frequented it, and continues in a traditional fashion with little pretension. Courage Best, Wadworth 6X and Adnams are served from the wooden bar as punters' soles scuff the bare floorboards. The menu is of the 'sausage and mash for a fiver' variety, although you can tuck into an 8oz rump steak too. Black-and-white images of old London complement the low-key atmosphere.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9