Five of the best no-nonsense pubs

Sometimes, when you've had enough seared tuna and Chilean Merlot, it's time to find a traditional, English, no-nonsense pub. Here are five of London's finest.

1. The Angel

A minor refurbishment did little to change the homely atmosphere of The Angel which, according to legend, is haunted by executed criminals offered a last drink here on the way to the gallows.
61-62 St Giles High Street WC2. Tel: 020 7240 2876. Tube: Tottenham Court Road

2. The Spaniard's Inn

The 600-year-old building oozes history. Once the home of James I's Spanish Ambassador, it was reputedly run by Dick Turpin, while Dickens mentioned it in The Pickwick Papers. Nowadays, there's a garden bar in the summer, while winter attractions include open fires.
Spaniards Road, NW3. Tel: 020 8731 6571. Tube: Golders Green

3. The Salisbury

A beautifully restored Victorian gin palace with original engraved glass windows, mirrors and period decor. The food includes such delicacies as red pepper lasagne and herb salmon.
90 St Martin's Lane WC2. Tel: 020 7836 5863. Tube: Leicester Square

4. Punch Tavern

For once the decorative theme - Punch cartoons and memorabilia - is forgivable, as the satirical magazine was founded here in 1841. There's a good range of food, plus daily changing curries, pasta dishes and ciabbata sarnies.
99 Fleet Street EC4. Tel: 020 7353 6658. Tube: Blackfriars

5. George Inn

The only surviving galleried coaching inn in the capital, the George has been dishing out ale for 350 years. A good range of ales and homemade pies at £5.45 including three veg.
77 Borough High Street SE1. Tel: 020 7407 2056. Tube: London Bridge