The Windmill, Mayfair

Mill Street in Mayfair doesn't exactly scream 'affordable drinking', but The Windmill bucks the trend entirely. Walk in and you've got dark wood, low ceilings, and the kind of worn-in charm that comes from actually being a neighbourhood local rather than a designer interpretation of one. The clientele shifts throughout the day—lunchtime sees office workers, evenings bring a proper mix of locals and visitors who've stumbled off Bond Street. Real ales on tap, proper pub food, and staff who treat you like you belong whether you're in a £5,000 suit or jeans. It's the sort of place where you can nurse a reasonably priced drink without feeling watched or rushed.