Old Coffee House

A short walk from Carnaby Street, The Old Coffee House is a back-street pub with real history. It dates back to 1772, when it opened as the Silver Street Coffee House, and was reworked in 1894. Today it carries that history into the present of London's pub culture, pouring mostly ales from Brodie's Brewery in East London, with rotating local guest ales alongside.

Inside, a long wooden bar lined with high stools sets the tone. Further in there's a cosier space with comfortable chairs and banquettes, a polished pine floor, dark panelling and a warm coal-effect fire. The walls are busy with stories, from the Watneys Red Barrel insignia to old brewery mirrors like Truman's and a mix of prints and brassware. Music and sports TV are there but kept low enough not to drown out conversation. An upstairs room handles busier evenings and private functions, and the lunch menu is hearty and easy on the pocket.