The Salisbury

It is not unusual when frequenting London pubs to share both furniture and personal space with strangers. In this grand old building at the north end of Green Lanes you barely have to share bar staff: it's absolutely massive. Taxidermy cases and ornate cornicing decorate the central, beer-focused bar, and drinkers take their pick from private booths, fireside armchairs or more sociable clusters of tables and chairs in one of two huge spaces.

If you're expecting company you might want to alert them to your whereabouts with some kind of flare. A jukebox plays music in the main room and a projector plays sport in the second, but apart from its architecture the main reason for a trip to the Salisbury is for a peaceful pint with extensive elbow room.