The Salisbury

Impressive original features such as a carved mahogany bar, sparkling etched glass mirrors, plush scarlet booths and bronze flower-nymph lamps mark out this listed pub as a survivor. Here is a Victorian gin palace preserved in all its Rule Britannia pomp – although the old girl could use a bit of cosmetic help here and there. Current custodians of this august slab of British heritage are pub operators Taylor Walker, who offer Young's ales, regional brews, bottled world beers and wines to back a menu that includes everything locals and snap-happy tourists might expect of a trad boozer: steak-and-ale pie, fish and chips for a tenner, bangers and mash, and ‘Great British' chicken tikka masala. Formerly frequented by scarlet women and dilly boys (male prostitutes), the Salisbury is far from louche these days.