While regulars laud this Tabard Street pub for its pints of tasty Harveys, folks with eats in mind also find much to like. The cozy, Victorian-styled Royal Oak features dual bar areas, which ensure that drinks are easy to come by. They also make the pub a favorite after-work destination for folks coming in from nearby office buildings. Made-from-scratch fare offers plenty of worthy alternatives, including hearty pies, traditional roasts, and baskets of fish and chips. TUBE: Borough
The Sutton, as regulars know it, is a classic London pub, complete with creaky wood floors, dark wood accents, and a cozy bar. The place is known as a pint-lover's haven, but it also gets strong praise for its surprisingly inventive fare. The daily menu includes roast chicken with fennel, roast pork loin with applesauce, and guinea fowl with roasted shallots. Desserts (including puddings) are also impeccable, so save room. An upstairs dining area offers quieter, more traditional environs than the bar. TUBE: Barbican
Especially at meal time, employees from nearby court buildings populate this historic gastropub (built around 1600) �— a tribute to the kitchen's traditional menu. Walls are adorned with all things legal, from old movie posters to framed caricatures and political cartoons. The cozy place also features a working fireplace and lots of dark-wood tables and chairs. N.B. Many patrons regard Seven Stars as London's finest pub, so a modicum of reverence is always appreciated when you visit. Kitchen closes between 2-5pm and after 9.30 pm. TUBE: Holborn or Chancery Lane
This popular, Regency-style establishment dates back to 1837. Through the years, such famous individuals as Charles Dickens and William Thackeray have visited the tavern to enjoy whitebait dinners, which are still a popular menu item. The interior features two levels: The spacious first floor boasts typical pub decor, while the upstairs Nelson Room is a ballroom with ornate chandeliers and a magnificent river view. Today, this room hosts a wide variety of functions and events. Live jazz music is often provided, and outdoor seating is available when weather permits. TUBE: Greenwich, via Docklands Light Railway
Take a break from typical city pubs, and venture off the beaten path to this local favorite and, probably, London's first gastropub. A shaded outdoor seating area invites folks to relax, and the spacious interior is similar to that of many pubs, attested to by well-loved wooden tables and a large wooden bar. The Westbourne is a great place to hang out with friends over a few pints of lager or ale. And should hunger pangs hit, a wide variety of pub food is available, including oysters, salmon, seabass and halibut. TUBE: Royal Oak
Tucked away in a choice area near the classy Lynchburg Hotel, this smart pub provides a great place for business travelers to entertain. The menu includes tasty treats like Angels on Horseback (bacon-wrapped oysters), their signature Beef Wellington, and traditional fish and chips, while the bar supplies a wide selection of liquors and draught beers, along with a house Bloody Mary crafted with a secret ingredient. Dark woods and red walls boasting a weapon motif distinguish the interior. Navigate your way carefully, because the pub can be hard to locate. Reservations strongly recommended. TUBE: Hyde Park Corner
When folks toiling in SW10 are eager for home-cooked cuisine, they find much to applaud at this cozy gatropub near Chelsea Harbour. Unexpectedly, the pub setting runs headlong into haute cuisine, but the results are sublime. Each dish uses only the freshest ingredients, and the items that issue forth include the Lots Road Burger and a mind-blowing ribeye steak sandwich. Follow your favorite dish with the pub's signature Sticky Toffee Pudding, and you've a meal worth remembering. Dinner reservations are suggested. TUBE: Fulham Broadway
This notable pub offers inviting atmosphere, a variety of lagers and ales, and a popular special of Guinness and oysters. Although evenings are often more crowded than afternoons, anytime is a good time to drop by - just don't expect to get a table! If you want more personal attention, choose the intimate dining room in back; if you want to enjoy a few pints among friendly locals, grab a stool at the bar. TUBE: Royal Oak
This upscale pub sits just down the street from The Ritz in one of London's wealthiest districts. The historic establishment dates to the mid-1700s, and its patrons frequently spill out onto the sidewalk, as businesspeople try to impress important clients. The menu offers a wide array of choices, including some of the best steaks in the area — the filet of beef with wild mushrooms and red wine sauce, horseradish mash and parsnip crisps is a hearty delight. Inside, polished brass and wood detailing contribute to the classy ambience. TUBE: Green Park