Part of our Best Pubs in London microsite. Is your local listed?
The area's most famous pub has been in the hands of the Antic chain for some time now. They've certainly brought their winning, though now-waning formula to bear on this magnificent old corner plot; we found it rammed with 20-somethings on a Saturday night (plus a slightly older, drunker, Phil Jupitus lookalike in a pork pie hat, desperately trying to find someone who'd talk to him).
A more recent visit on a Thursday evening found the place much quieter, though still with a buzz of sorts.
The pub sports a decent if not earth-shaking range of beers, with pints of the house beer Volden going for just £3.50. The large drinking hall gives way to cosier enclaves at the back, and an enormous beer garden, decorated by street artists, provides a popular summer option.
The place also boasts a ballroom upstairs where, apparently, Led Zeppelin played their first gig. They also have a small number of hotel rooms.
We defy you to visit and not have a good time. A class act.
