Star & Garter, Putney, SW15

Upmarket hotel lounge bar, with a good position overlooking the Thames (particularly if you get one of the best tables by the windows). Modern furniture and decor. Relaxed background jazz. Also has the Cellar Bar and Ballroom (neither visited). Small patio out front. Slightly surprisingly, the counter features two handpumps; one dispensing Greene King IPA Gold (£4.00) and the other with a reversed Old Speckled Hen clip.

The last time I was in here was New Year's Eve 1987. I remember at that time it was a bit lairy and that many young women were lifting their tops and flashing their boobs. I doubt that sort of thing goes on now as it appears to have changed somewhat!