The Three Compasses, Dalston

You'll find The Three Compasses tucked away on Dalston Lane, the kind of place that feels like it's been serving the same crowd for decades (it hasn't, but it does the job convincingly). There's a real mix here—craftier types, old-school regulars, people who actually live round the corner—which is increasingly rare in this part of East London. The bar does decent cask ales and a short wine list that doesn't try too hard, and the kitchen turns out proper pub grub without getting precious about it. It's warm without being twee, busy without being rammed.