St Stephen's Tavern in London

Oh, St Stephen's Tavern is one of those places that just feels like a proper London gem, doesn't it? Tucked away near Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, it's got this incredible historic vibe that's been drawing people in since 1875 – imagine popping in for a pint after a wander around the sights, and you can practically feel the stories in the air from all the politicians and locals who've graced its walls over the years. The food's generally spot on; their fish and chips are a standout, all golden and satisfying, paired with a great selection of beers that go down a treat. And the staff? Most of them are lovely and really make you feel at home, which is just what you want on a chilled-out evening. But, fair's fair, it can get absolutely heaving with tourists, so you might end up jostling for a table or waiting a bit longer than you'd like. Plus, while the grub's mostly brilliant, some bits can be a touch greasy, and there've been a few tales of staff not being at their best, like being a bit too vocal about other guests. All in all, it's a fantastic spot for a relaxed catch-up or a quick bite with mates, as long as you go in with realistic expectations for a busy city pub – I'd definitely recommend it for the atmosphere alone, but keep an eye out for those quieter times if you can.