Considering Pete Clark mentions the Pride of Pimlico as a traditional pub he recommends, we thought we should go and have a look ourselves. The name might be a little overoptimistic considering the affluent area and range of competition, but considering this is an unreconstructed Irish pub, the name could just as easily be reference to a poem penned by Arthur Griffith, the man who negotiated the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1920/1.

On a practical level, this is the best of the three pubs constructed as part of the architecturally dubious council estate (back when housing and local amenities were considered integral). There's a few cosy seating areas, but most of the older Irish fellas were around the bar and at the back, where the TV was turned to Teletext's racing pages. Otherwise, there was an odd but practical 'breakfast bar' style area where people were propped up watching sport and chatting. Most importantly, we were able to enjoy our drink, the good choice of tunes and a game of pool in peace.

It might not have the cache of the various nearby smartened-up pubs, but it was arguably more inviting and genuine here, as well as easier to get a seat.

CLIENTELE: locals, Older Irish gents, after work people
NEAREST STATION: Pimlico station
FEATURES: live music, one pool table, Sky TV (two screens)