5 for Carnival drinks

The Victoria

10A Strathearn Place, W2 (020-7724 1191). Full range of Fuller's ales

Pubs in the main throng of Carnival will be packed to bursting point, so you might want to look at places on the fringes to meet up with your mates. The Victoria is a traditional Victorian pub in a smart stucco building close to Lancaster Gate and Paddington Tube stations. A Fuller's pub, it boasts the full complement of their fine cask and bottled ales.

Steam

1 Eastbourne Terrace, W2 (020-7850 0555). Old-fashioned food in modern decor

The great age of steam is reflected in the design of the bar in this former British Rail hotel adjoining Paddington station. This 21st-century rendition is like looking through a portal into another galaxy --the height of modernism, it offers an eclectic range of international beers and spirits. But they serve good old-fashioned English food, and usually have a fab range of ales. A good departure or arrival bar.

The Mandarin Bar

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1 (020-7235 2000). Chic and minimalist style

This cocktail bar at the former Hyde Park hotel is a testament to modernity with its sleek understated design and minimalist appearance. And they serve some seriously good cocktails. Try the Molon Martini (Molon being an acronym for Mandarin Oriental London), a selection of three different classic mini-Martinis served in chic little glasses that wouldn't look out of place in a chemistry laboratory. From Knightsbridge Tube station, take a walk across Hyde Park to get to the Carnival.

Prince Of Teck

161 Earl's Court Road, SW5 (020-7373 4291). Youthful party atmosphere

When Hugh Corbett's sparkling refurbishment of a lamentable old

pub opened earlier this year, it was without food. Happily, this has been put to rights, and the busy kitchen is turning out all manner of seasonal dishes - salads, grills, fries and sandwiches - to be washed down by lagers, alcopops and the like. With its own carnivalesque atmosphere most nights of the week, there's occasional live music and the pub's big screens are popular for sporting events. Directly opposite Earl's Court Tube station.

The Ladbroke Arms

54 Ladbroke Grove, W11 (020-7727 6648). Haven for gastronomes

Even though this is directly opposite Ladbroke Grove police station, fear not. This is the gastro heaven of W11, and probably the only pub that can shake its salt over the rest of Notting Hill's sluggish venues. The front terrace is divine, with enormous parasols, and the pub offers a fabulous

Modern British menu and an excellent range of real ales. Very handy for Holland Park Tube station.