Lord Aberconway, Liverpool Street, EC2

I have a hunch that this place is a relatively modern conversion, designed to have a High Victorian appearance with its dark wood, impressive bar back, high ceiling and mezzanine, all in the typical Nicholson's style with conventional furniture, naturally. Music played though it was far too loud and the games machine looked unappealing. Ales: Nicholson's Bitter, Fuller's London Pride, Triple F's Pressed Rat & Warthog and California Common at £2.05 a half and OK. This place isn't great, probably due to its proximity to Liverpool Street Station but it's a lot better than the Railway at the end of the road.

Quite a small Nicholson's pub with a mezzanine level. 6 real ales and food served.

Smallish Nicholsons, previously known as the Metropolitan Railway's 'Refreshment Rooms' / 'Railway Buffet'. Well known for its booths, but not many other tables at ground-floor level in the 'L'-shaped bar. Additional seating on the mezzanine. Six handpumps offering usual suspects like Pride, Doom Bar and Tribute plus guests such as Vale Black Beauty, Titanic Centenary and Rudgate Ruby Mild (£3.40). Overall, not a bad spot given how close it is to a main-line station.