The Whitecross Tap

You'll find yourself on one of Barbican's quieter stretches, where this place manages to be both unfussy and genuinely good. The Whitecross Tap does that thing really well — it's a pub, properly, but the kitchen takes itself seriously without getting precious about it. The sort of spot where you can grab a pint and some proper grub after work, or book a table because you actually fancy what they're doing with the food. The drinks selection is notably thoughtful; they know their stuff behind the bar, and it shows in what they stock.