The Sun Tavern

There's been a tavern on this site since 1851 but, blurring the line between traditional boozer and contemporary cocktail bar, the most recent edition of The Sun has only been making news since 2014 – thanks to new owners, who also run the Discount Suit Company off Petticoat Lane. Visit this designer-distressed, dilapidated bothy and dip into tankard cocktails, punchbowls and various riffs on Victorian cups, cobblers and Collins such as Pitchfork (Plymouth Navy rum, hay cordial, cider and lemon juice). Elsewhere, Banshee (a modern Manhattan involving Vulson White Rhino rye and yellow Chartreuse) is one of various ideas to also incorporate poitín – Ireland's traditionally bootlegged alt national spirit, stocked here alongside an assembly of Hibernian whisky. Old-school bar snacks, live acoustic sets, DJ late sessions and hair-of-the-dog weekend brunch are further incentives for subscribing to The Sun.