London What To Eat
London's hundreds of restaurants, cafés and other eateries would fill an entire website to themselves, which unfortunately we don't have space for here. Instead, here's Insight's selection of London's Best Traditional Pubs:
Angel
Built on stilts over the Thames, this old pub dates back to the 15th century when monks from the Bermondsey Priory ran it as a tavern. The balcony and upstairs restaurant - offer outstanding views. 23 Rotherhithe Street, SE16; tel: 020 7237 3608; nearest Tube station Rotherhithe, or Bermondsey main line rail station.
Black Friar
Built in 1875 on the site of the Black Friars Monastery, this is London's only Arts and Crafts pub. The spectacular marble - interior carries bronze friezes depicting the activities of monks. 174 Queen Victoria Street, EC4; tel: 7236 5474; nearest Tube station Blackfriars a couple of minutes' walk away.
Dickens Inn
Successful conversion of an old warehouse to spit-and-sawdust pub. Within St Katherine's Dock, just to the east of the Tower of London, with a variety of other popular pubs, cafés and shops flanking the yacht moorings. St Katharine's Way, E1; tel: 7488 1226; nearest Tube station Tower Hill 10 minutes' walk.
The Grenadier
Hidden away in a quiet cobbled mews between Belgrave Square and Knightsbridge, this tiny pub is a real gem. It used to be the mess of the Duke of Wellington's officers, now favoured by well-heeled Belgravians. A small dining room at the back, serving tasty but quite pricey meals; cheaper snacks at the bar. Old Barrack Yard, 18 Wilton Row, SW1; tel: 7235 3074; nearest Tube station Hyde Park Corner.
Jerusalem Tavern
Once an 18th-century coffee shop, this is now an intimate pub with cubicles, Georgian-style furniture and an attractive selection of ales from Suffolk's St Peter's Brewery. Meals lunchtimes only, no children. 55 Britton Street, EC1; tel: 7490 4281; open weekdays only; nearest Tube station Farringdon 10 minutes' walk.
Prospect of Whitby
Great fun, Thames views and amazing history. Built in 1520 and once popular with river smugglers, the Prospect of Whitby's regulars have included Samuel Pepys, JMW Turner and Charles Dickens. Pewter counter, bare boards, panelling and flagstones plus a waterside courtyard. 57 Wapping Wall E1; 7481 1095; nearest Tube station Wapping, or Shadwell DLR.
Ye Old Cheshire Cheese
Famous olde-worlde pub, rebuilt after the Great Fire but which still has a medieval crypt beneath it. It has been frequented through the ages by many well-known literary figures including Charles Dickens, Dr Samuel Johnson and possibly William Shakespeare. 145 Fleet Street, EC4; tel: 7353 6170; Blackfriars Tube station.