The Nell Gwynne, Covent Garden

Make no mistake about it, the Nell Gwynne is an absolute corker!

The West End sadly has some criminally bad pubs whose only purpose is to lighten the wallet of unsuspecting tourists. Often these ‘traditional pubs’ make zero effort with the F&B offerings and the regard with which they hold their staff. High employee turnover highlights what kind of hostelry it is to work and drink in and although they serve a purpose their failings highlight just how special The Nell is.

A secret hidden gem tucked away up a quiet alley this is everything you want in a backstreet boozer. If you didn’t know it was here you’d miss it walking past on the Strand and it’s a little slice of Narnia once crossing the threshold.

Hitting it up of a lunchtime it really is the sort of spot that once you enter it’s a grind to tear yourself away and is perfect for a winter day session where you plan to have a quick one but end up hunkering down for the whole day.

There a gorgeous wooden carved bar with ornate clock, battered wooden floor boards and low lighting which makes it dark and intimate. If ever you were looking for a proper drinking den where the outside world is shut out and forgotten for a few hours then you’ve found it.

Sam Brooks Wandle & Session IPA was pleasingly on the rig and Admans Southwold Bitter was also on for £3.90 a pint which is a bargain in the wallet lightening West End.

On my last visit I enjoyed a cheese toastie which did exactly what it said on the tin. Extra points for the truly welcoming and chirpy lady behind the bar too. Certain people just have that God-given friendly disposition and personality that they were born to work in pubs. She was one of them.

If you are looking to escape the zoo that is central London this is the hostelry to do it in and I say it earnestly, this place is worth travelling for. Genuinely authentic, cheery staff and a traditional pub atmosphere means you’ve struck central pub gold. Just don’t tell anyone else about it.