Bridge House

Can any theatre bar in London be as convivial as this one? Beneath the Canal Café, the Bridge House comprises a waterside terrace and a spacious, relaxing interior. If it’s sunny, sit outside and listen to the lapping of the Regent’s Canal; when it’s chilly, curl up around the fireplace.

Refurbishments are planned, but for now the place has a charged, slightly naughty feel, thanks to velvety banquettes, bright red beaded lightshades and Anna Runefelt’s faintly erotic photos on the wall; even the toilets are concealed behind thick curtains.

In the middle of the room, a bar dispenses ales (Landlord, London Pride and the like) and continental beers (Kozel, Franziskaner, Peroni), plus a list of wines available by both glass and bottle.

An all-day kitchen deals with an extensive and affordable seasonal menu, snacks (crab and wasabi cakes, mini pies) complemented by smartened-up pubby mains (pork belly with bacon and sage mash, crispy duck salad, four types of Sunday roast).