The Kings Arms, SE1

Set amid some classic period terraced houses (which make a great film/TV backdrop), this Victorian corner pub appears to have undergone some modernising but thankfully this has not detracted from its traditional character. The main body of the pub is split into the old style public / saloon bars by a partly glazed wooden screen. The saloon bar is quite plain with bare wooden floors, small round tables, open fireplace and plenty of windows making it all feel quite bright and airy but quite homely and intimate. The public bar doesn't benefit from the natural light and comes over as much more subdued but for me has a more enchanting feel. Over the quaint tiled fireplace is a relic of old drinking days, a Double Diamond mirror, which looks quite at home among the orderly old photos of local streets, markets and landmarks, various maps, newspapers, adverts and old prints. At the rear of the pub, the old garden has been converted into a large glazed conservatory that virtually doubles the size of the pub. The old road signs, plate collections and theatre adverts are also quite eyecatching. As has been mentioned in previous reviews, the beer selection is at best ordinary with Adnams, Bombardier, Green King IPA and Pride, none of which will hold much interest to regular ale drinkers in London. What a couple of guest beers could do to this place goes without saying. Prices are also pretty steep given that the beers are nothing special; each ale, as far as I could tell, clocking up at £3.15 a pint. Service was efficient and prompt, even when a large group party came for which much of the conservatory had been reserved. There are a couple of certificates from a rival pub web site on the wall in the saloon bar proclaiming the Kings Arms as London's Best Pub 2004 and 2006. It's quite good, but not that good.

Cosy 2 bar back street local.3 real ales on but with Pride £3 a pint a bit expensive.Covered courtyard for food.10 mins from Waterloo station.