The Britannia, EC1

There were a couple of mainstream ales on in here - Adnam's Bitter and London Pride (£1.65 a half) with several other, mainly hunting scene decorated, handpumps apparently unused. I didn't see any sign of food when I was in around 4.00 PM on Wednesday. The pub interior looks classic 70s. There are the red upholstered banquettes around the walls, the little round similarly upholstered stools, and some normal chairs and tables. There's a central island bar, which would once have served at least a couple of separate rooms and of course the floor's carpetted. There are no sprigs of flowers on the tables here - just beer mats. The walls are mainly wood panelled, with a few prints on them. A couple of other plus points are the newspapers in a rack by the bar counter, and the sign on the door declaring this to be a chewing gum free zone. Another sign issued the edict that no glasses or furniture are to be taken over the road. All sounds very sensible to me. The clientele seemed to be almost entirely male, and all local regulars having a jolly good time. The ale selection isn't brilliant, but the retro ambience of the place sets it apart from the pretentious joints all over London these days. If you want a pint in an unpretentious locals' boozer just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of Old St then this place should suit you.

A traditional corner boozer, located on a back street off City Road. Opened out into a single room, the pub is dominated by a substantial island bar. Busy, with a very lively (but friendly) atmosphere during the Arsenal vs Spurs derby on the large TV screens. Comfortable padded seats. Beer-wise, hopes faded a bit on entering when I saw two disused handpumps, but fortunately there are another pair round the other side offering Adnams and Pride (£3.10).