The Woodhouse, Dulwich, South London<\/p>\n
Though it\u2019s technically in Zone 3, The Woodhouse in Sydenham Hill \u2013 South Dulwich, if you\u2019re being generous \u2013 gives definite country-pub vibes, or at least Surrey pub, which sounds like a dig but isn\u2019t (completely) meant to be. It\u2019s got cosy nooks, friendly bar staff, an extensive restaurant menu, and more importantly space: a huge pub garden surrounded by heated chalets for when the weather is inclement \u2013 or, given they\u2019ve each got a telly in them, for when the football\u2019s on \u2013 and a burger shack in the summer that does the best burgers in the area (also, given it\u2019s mostly surrounded by woodland, the only burgers in the area). Another very strong element in its favour: it\u2019s 45 seconds walk from my house.<\/p>\n
39 Sydenham Hill, London SE26 6RS thewoodhousedulwich.co.uk<\/a> Style director Johnny Davis recommends:<\/strong><\/p>\n The Bull & Last, Highgate, North London<\/p>\n Though it\u2019s technically in Zone 2 (sorry, Miranda!), The Bull & Last in Highgate (just inside NW5) also has the kind of getaway charm that feels more rural inn than London local. Big sash windows, soft candlelight and wood-panelled interiors set the vibe. The superior menu leans into elevated British cooking, and it\u2019s also a functioning inn, with rooms upstairs if dinner turns into a nightcap (and maybe another). And being right on the edge of Hampstead Heath, it\u2019s ideally placed for a post-lunch stomp \u2013 or the other way round. Another strong point in its favour: it\u2019s the sort of place you hope someone invites you to on a Sunday, and once you\u2019ve been, you\u2019ll almost certainly take credit for discovering.<\/p>\n 168 Highgate Road, London NW5 1QS, thebullandlast.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n Site director Nick Pope recommends:<\/strong><\/p>\n The Coach and Horses, Soho, London<\/p>\n Soho\u2019s fabled Coach & Horses pub \u2013 by which we mean the beautiful 18th century listed building on the corner of Greek Street; the one that\u2019s surrounded by red wooden beams and Guinness-swilling media types \u2013 always pops up in these lists. That might have something to do with its journalistic connections: the staff at Private Eye magazine had their own table by the poky toilets back in the day, where they\u2019d trade Westminster gossip and coax secrets out of any politico silly enough to drink with them. It was once under the stewardship of \u201cLondon\u2019s rudest landlord\u201d, and it\u2019s very much considered one of the last enclaves of \u2018Old Soho\u2019 \u2013 along with The French House down the road, it\u2019s always been a favourite of artists and poets and Interesting Characters, many of which have propped up the bar for decades. But the best part about it? The sprawling outside area, which takes in the breadth of Romilly Street. There are no ropes, chalk-drawn drinking pens or angry bouncers in sight. You can keep your pub garden. <\/p>\n 29 Greek St, London W1D 5DH, coachandhorsessoho.pub<\/a><\/p>\n Style editor Carmen Bellot recommends: <\/strong><\/p>\n The Lady Mildmay, North London<\/p>\n Sure, everyone loves a pub that\u2019s full of history, or ones where pints are under a fiver \u2013 if it covers both, you\u2019ve won the hospitality jackpot \u2013 but I\u2019ve come to realise that the best pubs are the ones with a team you remember. The Lady Mildmay, aesthetically situated a few doors down from Jolene in Newington Green, has exactly that. Upon walking into its blue exterior, you can expect a smile and a quip from the friendly front of house staff every time you visit. Better yet, it\u2019s got charming interiors, a great wine list that isn\u2019t heavy on the wallet and a piano if you fancy a jam. <\/p>\n 92 Mildmay Park, London N1 4PR, ladymildmay.com<\/a> David Brook<\/p>\n Senior writer Henry Wong recommends:<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cow, Notting Hill, West London<\/p>\n I have lived through a few variations of The Cow, an old mannish boozer in West London beloved by both celebs and locals, but some things remain the same: they serve a great pint of Guinness and the best chicken Kiev in this city. I like it in the winter, as I sit by the fireplace and wonder which Beckham offspring is across the room from me, but I love it in the summer, as I clutch a cool glass of ros\u00e9 and spill out onto Westbourne Park Road. Maybe it was Romeo?<\/p>\n
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