Once a Victorian music hall, this historic pub is located just across the road from the Regent’s Canal. There’s still entertainment to be found at the popular fringe theatre upstairs, while the main bar retains a suitably bohemian atmosphere. Despite a model Spitfire & Messerschmitt pursuing a battle across the ceiling, the welcome is warm, from both the chilled, friendly staff &, if you’re lucky, the house schnauzer Pearl. This free house has a splendid beer selection – settle down with a pint of ale (you’ll find six on tap, including Adnams & Seafarers Ale), or perhaps something European: Litovel, Palm, Hoegaarden or Früli, all served in chilled glasses. There’s a modestly priced Brit-meets-Med menu (juicy minted lamb burger with great chips, an oozing asparagus, green pea & mushroom risotto), roasts on Sundays & a shelf full of board games for afters.