Stag's Head, London

This smart oak panelled pub, run very much on traditional lines, offers a friendly welcome to both regulars and visitors to the area alike.

The interior, very ‘Tudorbethan’, is wood panelled throughout, fully carpeted and furnished with a mixture of tables, chairs, stools and banquettes, one built to fit the curved wall. There is plenty of standing room as well and vertical drinking is assisted by unusual peninsular shelf projections and tall bar stools. Three large TV screens are not overly intrusive even for football. For sun-lovers and smokers, benches with umbrellas are available on the pavements outside.

Fairly standard 'traditional' pub meals are available. There is no function room, but it may be possible to reserve the far end of the room for larger groups.

Being close to the BBC’s Broadcasting House, in former times this pub was frequented not only by the poet Dylan Thomas, but also by the actress Ellis Powell, who played the title role in the radio series Mrs Dale's Diary until she was sacked in favour of Jessie Matthews. Other luminaries of the BBC radio heyday of the 1950s and early 60s who favoured the pub were features' staff and writers including Olivia Manning, Henry Reed and Julian Maclaren-Ross.