Ye Olde Mitre Tavern, Farringdon  

This well-concealed pub (in a little yard just off Hatton Garden) can often be an oasis in a somewhat manic area. Of course, like any pub in the City, it gets overrun at the usual times - lunch and immediately after work - but outside of those hours it's a haven. The beers are well kept, usually a couple of decent real ales with regular guests on the hand pumps. The food is honest pub grub and the service is old-fashioned and excellent - many newer pubs should take note. There are a lot of rumours about this pub, particularly that it's not actually in London. The origins of the pub can account for some of the confusion. The original pub was built in 1547 for the servants of the Bishop of Ely from Cambridgeshire, who's London palace was just next door in Ely Place. And, as such the palace and its environs (including the pub) were his domain. The pub was demolished in 1772 and quickly rebuilt. From what we can ascertain, it stayed (officially) under Cambridgshire's aegis until sometime in the 20th Century - the City of London police, apparently, had no jurisdiction there. There's also a legend that the tree trunk preserved in the corner of the small bar was the original boundary marker for the diocese and that Queen Elizabeth I danced the maypole around it - but as we say, that's the legend. Nonetheless, this pub is historic, quirky and atmospheric, replete with the panelling and odd little nooks and crannies you'd expect in such a place - and we hope it stays this way for ever. By the way, if you don't spot the sign on the lamp post in Hatton Garden pointing into the alleyway, you will walk straight past it. Not one to miss.

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