The Angel, SE16

Perfectly described below, a beautifully restored Thameside pub with stalls, a dartboard and three coal fires. I do though take slight issue with the mesmeric views across the river as here it's brown, sloshy, murky and nothing to write home about. If this were the Thames fronting the City and Tower Bridge however... Internally, there are 19th century photos showing this pub in a built-up area with dock houses either side and fronting onto a narrow street. All this has gone now of course, with just one dockside house a short way to the east but with the benefit of the ruins of Edward III's palace just to the south side. Sadly this is a Smith's house so of course there's no real ale. Worse, it's Sovereign or OBB on keg and whilst there was no Man in the Box to be had, my pint of Taddy Lager went down well on this hot evening, though it did cost £3.50. This pub is certainly worth a visit but I wouldn't go out of my way to return again as I live nowhere near this part of London.

Nice old Sam Smith's pub in a prime position directly beside the Thames, only let down by having no cask ale available. The 'U'-shaped bar is sub-divided into three parts by a couple of half-height screens, and there are two small rooms at the back overlooking the river, but with all having a slightly austere feel due to the wood-panelling. However, if it's open, it's well worth heading upstairs to the rather splendid lounge offering the best views of all. With the dismal beer offering, I opted for the Extra Stout (£3.60), but this place deserves better than this (although it is still worth seeking out for other reasons).

A bright and airy pub on our hot and sunny Saturday afternoon visit. As with all Sam Smiths pubs, you can expect to see a historical interior, well you won't be disappointed here. Unfortunately the upstairs room was closed off due to a private function being held on our visit. We went for a Sam Smiths lager as per.

Doesnt even sell Its own Sam Smiths bitter on draught.

This is a lovely old pub in a splendid riverside location with possibly the best pub views in London upstream to Tower Bridge, The Shard and The Gherkin as well as that new one that started setting things on fire in the summer. It has been sympathetically restored by Samuel Smiths, the ground floor boasts five small areas, some divided by the old style half height screens with low doors which in Victorian days would have been used by cleaners and potmen. Previously a Courage house, my understanding is that the building required extensive refurbishment once taken over, something Sam Smiths do very well indeed, their pub architecture is first rate. Sadly however, for me anyway, their beer is not of the same quality, especially when there is no choice but the keg version of OBB as here which apart from being keg is always served very cold. It is however well worth suffering this to visit and appreciate this pub. The small rooms all have individual character, one room in the Public Bar retains a dartboard, the Private Bar is central and the Lounge bar is on the end with a fireplace. Stone/terrazzo flooring, lots of wood panelling, retro or possibly original gas lamps on show, stone jars and bottles on high shelves. A small outdoor wooden terrace sits right at the water's edge but the best views are from the upstairs room which has a mixture of seating including a few sofas and armchairs. I had this area to myself on Friday afternoon and sat enjoying the view and sipping my half of OBB while the river craft sailed by and the wind rattled the sash windows. All rather atmospheric. The place is almost all you could wish for in a pub except for the opportunity to get something decent to drink. As RR says below, even the real version of OBB would make a real difference. Still a must visit if passing or walking the Thames Path however.