The Shakespeares Head, Finsbury, EC1

Whether you call it basic or unspoilt is probably a matter of personal preference, but there aren't many back-street boozers like this left in central London (especially of the 1960s variety). It features a traditionally furnished 'L'-shaped bar (originally two rooms, I suspect), and being located directly behind the Sadler's Wells Theatre there are plenty of pictures of old thespians about the walls. There are also a small front patio and a larger rear patio beer garden. Two real ales on handpump: Courage Best and Abbot (£4.10, and sadly indifferent, but with the heat probably not helping).

The previous poster pretty much says it all. It dates from 1960, and is an ex-Courage pub; you can see the trademark cockerel on the windows on the right hand side of the building. The only real change is the loss of the wall that separated the public and saloon bars. The wood panelling is original; and the brick built counter in the left hand room is an unusual feature. There's nothing elaborate about this pub, as plain, simple and cheap seems to be the 1960s pub fitter's modus operandi. Nothing wrong with that - I'm cheap and simple so felt quite at home in here. I was surprised to find such a traditional locals' pub in this part of the world. Apart from myself plus chums the only customers in were obvious locals. My guess is that any tourists who stumbled across this place by accident would turn tail immediately. There were a couple of ales on - Abbot and Courage Best, and it has to be said that the Best wasn't in particularly good shape, falling in the just about drinkable category. This was a friendly and comfortable pub - shame about the beer, but maybe I was just unlucky. Certainly worth a visit if you fancy stepping back in time by about 50 years or so.