The Salisbury Pub

You're stepping into one of Covent Garden's most spectacular Victorian boozers, where the original etched mirrors and mahogany panelling have survived since 1898. The Salisbury's theatrical heritage runs deep – it sits bang in the middle of theatreland, making it a proper pre-show institution where you'll find tourists clutching programmes alongside West End actors nursing pints between performances. The Greene King operation means you know what you're getting food and drink-wise, but honestly, you come here for the atmosphere rather than culinary innovation. Those gorgeous cut-glass windows catch the light beautifully during afternoon sessions, and the ornate ceiling creates an almost church-like reverence for proper pub drinking. It's touristy, yes, but unapologetically so – and sometimes that's exactly what you want when you're showing visitors around central London.