Bars & Pubs

Following an eight-month refurbishment, the Grade II-listed Princess Louise has scrubbed up something wonderful. Decorated tiles, stained-glass windows, finely cut mirrors and ornate plasterwork have all been given a polish, and Victorian wood partitions have been put back to create a rather confusing warren of snugs and alcoves; the lavish lavs and Corinthian columns are especially impressive. The beer is all from Samuel Smith and sold for around £2 a pint: astonishing, given the fancy furnishings and central location. If on form, the Old Brewery Bitter can be a top drop; the bottled cherry beer, when poured in with the Extra Stout, is the nearest you'll get to liquid black forest gateau.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9