Marquess of Anglesey

You're on Bow Street, that slightly gritty stretch between the Royal Opera House and the Magistrates' Court, and you spot the Marquess. It's got that London pub look that actually means something — not trying too hard, just reliably good. Inside, there's proper wood, proper ales on tap, and the kind of crowd that includes both locals who've been coming for years and theatre-goers grabbing a swift one before curtain. The food is uncomplicated but done right, and it doesn't fleece you like some of the tourist traps round here do.