The Rose, SE1

Fine old building in an almost-prime position overlooking the Thames, with neither the road on the Albert Embankment to the front nor the busy railway lines into Waterloo on the brick arches to the rear proving too detrimental. The interior has been remodelled to leave an island bar, and redecorated in a typical gastro-pub style. Also has an upstairs room (not visited). Two Sharp's real ales on handpump: Doom Bar and Rye Rock IPA (£4.10).

They’ve introduced a real ale since Philip visited nearly three years ago – Deuchars IPA during my visit, at £3.40 a pint, which tasted OK if served a little too chilled. They advertised food all day, and although I didn’t study the menu, the majority of main courses were around the £9 mark. This is clearly another Victorian edifice with the exterior essentially unchanged, with some tiling still in place, and the elephant and castle on the gable which will be a familiar sight for anyone who travels into Waterloo Station regularly. But it’s now very modern inside. The front of the modern island bar is painted a sort of grey/lilac colour; the floor’s bare-boarded; there are little posies of flowers on the tables; all the tables are laid for diners with cutlery and condiments already in place and ketchup and HP sauce in those little wire holders. A number of the tables are marble topped, but there was no sign of any tall tables and stools, except for a couple of stools at the bar, nor any fruit machines or games machines. I didn’t spot any TVs, and the music being played at background volume levels was some laid back jazz. It’s not the sort of pub that I normally frequent. But having said that, they didn’t bat an eyelid when I plonked myself down at one of their tables to drink my pint, even if it is the sort where they give you your change on a little silver platter. In truth it’s essentially a restaurant, so don’t go here if you’re looking for a real pub.