The Hereford Arms, South Kensington

You'll find yourself on one of South Kensington's liveliest stretches when you push through The Hereford Arms' doors. It's the kind of pub that's managed to stay genuinely welcoming despite the postcodes surrounding it—no pretension, just solid cooking and a proper bar. The crowd shifts throughout the day: tourists and museum-goers at lunch, locals and regulars come evening, all united by decent pub classics and an impressive selection of real ales. There's a reason the reviews consistently praise the food here—it's unpretentious but executed with actual care.