The Old Bell, EC4

A small pub with front and rear entrance, one emerging out onto St. Bride's Church, the steeple of which was the inspiration for tiered wedding cakes the world over. The pub was built by Christopher Wren to cater for his workers who were construction his aforementioned church and boasts a relatively simple interior with part flagstone floor and central bar dispensing the usual Nicholson's beverages and to their consistent standard. A must-visit if crawling along Fleet Street.

Standard Nicholsons, its larger than it looks from the outside. Lots of dark wood, including the panelling around the central bar. Good staff.