Rotunda, Kings Cross, N1

An almost exclusively real ale-only pub (they have Staropramen and Leffe on tap, with various Belgian beers available in bottles). No music, no jukebox, and no pool table - just a busy, friendly, sociable atmosphere with no 16-year-old chavs trying to start fights every five minutes! A place to go to enjoy your drink and have a chat with your friends rather than shouting at them across a dancefloor.

New developement on the site of the, now demolished, Waterside Inn. Incorporates a concert hall, conference and events centre. But enough of the PR. The bar is called The Retunda, it is right up against Battlebridge Basin. Very stylish inside with wide windows to view the canal. No real ale. Has disabled toilets. Only down side I can see, is that it is right next to the canal and there are no railings, so, as you can sit outside, it could be dangerous. The patio area is open to all who use the building, so children will have to be watched carefully. Price of a Guinness, £3.30. Update, has Bombadier but not on hand pump. The patio area is no smoking.