The Ship & Shovell, WC2

Closed on Sundays and grade II-listed, this is famous for being a pub of two halves, because when it comes to halves, it has been determined that ‘two’ is the optimum number. However, the second half, which opens selectively, is actually a modern shop conversion dating from just 1999, but who really cares? It’s pretty and ornate inside, with dark wood panelling featuring integrated cut glass mirrors and linenfold-style panelling to one quarter height. Barring the modern floor, it’s otherwise a rather traditional affair, décor comprising framed pictures, with brass picture lamps; furniture is standard, nicely rustic and electronic entertainments seemed absent. The staff were friendly, stewarded by an old-school landlady, custodian of three H & W ales: Fursty Ferret, Badger and Tanglefoot at £2.70 a half and fine I suppose, but I was never going to go weak at the knees over their beers. This is a charming little place, where tourists are kept out by the forcefield that is the awful Sherlock Holmes, encountered on approach to this pub.

Hall and woodhouse pub that is split in two by the passageway. Nice U shaped bar and gantry