Decent pubs in London really aren't that hard to find

Lots of people have a bit of a downer on it though, saying that it's too big, too cold and too expensive, especially for a night out. Well tourists, let me tell you something; dribbling around the overpriced bars of Leicester Square on a Friday or Saturday night before slurring 'all right chuck' at an appalled local on the tube is not the way to enjoy London, no siree.

First of all, for a penny pinching writer like myself, the Sam Smiths boozers in town are where it's at; nicely restored old pubs, with decent design and cheap, nice beer. The Glasshouse Stores on Brewer Street, near Picadilly Circus and the Fiztroy Tavern on Charlotte Street in Fitzrovia (that's the area on the other sde of Oxford Street, bumpkins) are two favourite watering holes of mine. The Fitzroy especially gets stupidly full of suits and trendy media berks like me on a Friday evening, but on a Saturday isn't too bad. Not far away on Wells Street is Ben Crouch's Tavern, which has a decent music policy, fit girls and a relaxed atmosphere.

But I can't talk about a London boozer without mentioning the Prince Arthur on Brunswick Place, not far from Hoxton Square. It has an old Cockney boxer called Dixie as a Landlord with his wife, a bunch of old locals (as well as a few media ponces) and some rude boys. But best of all it has a dart board, Oranjeboom on tap and a roast potatoes on the bar. Once you've had a few beers you're right near all the bars and clubs of Shoreditch. Bliss.