The Crown, Battersea (PUBLOVE)

You'll find The Crown doing exactly what a good local should: keeping the area's residents happy without trying too hard. It's the sort of place where you can grab a pint after work, settle in for dinner with mates, or while away a Sunday afternoon without feeling like you're paying for an Instagram moment. The vibe is unpretentious—wood-panelled walls, decent lighting (not too gloomy, not too bright), and a menu that doesn't overcomplicate things. Lavender Hill's got better spots opening all the time, but this one's earned its place by doing the basics well and maintaining the kind of atmosphere that actually feels lived-in.