Founders Arms, Southbank, SE1

The Thames Walk between London Bridge and Waterloo hosts several pubs and bars along its length and the Founders Arms, situated next to the Tate Modern, proclaims its views of the river and cityscape to be the best. That may be open to debate but this modern Youngs pub is certainly one of the more popular Thameside pubs, especially when the weather allows the riverside terrace to be used to its maximum potential. It’s just as well as the interior is quite a faceless and soulless affair saved only by the vista through the panoramic windows. There are 9 hand pumps but, being Youngs, you won’t find anything beyond their own range (and when did any Youngs pub ever feel the need for 9 hand pumps?) and only 4 were availbale on my recent visit – Ordinary, Special, London Gold and Bombardier. Unfortunately the views come with a price tag and the beers are at the top end of the range so make the most of every last drop as you sit and watch the boats go by.

I've never particularly liked this place, it just doesn't look or feel like a pub to me. It is however a convenient stopping off point during a crawl along the river. On a Summer's day most people will head for the outside decking area but they fill it so full with tables that there's nowhere to stand and have a chat over a beer without feeling in the way.