The English Maid is a rather ironic name for a Dutch barge which spent much of it's life sailing up and down the Seine. No matter though - we're grateful it's now permanently moored near Lambeth Bridge for life as a bar.

Apart from the deck with stunning views of the Thames and Parliament, there are two further floors inside, filled with plenty of comfortable couches. The lowest level is actually rather disconcerting, with windows at the water level, making it seem rather like you're bobbing about in the water; a cracked pane of glass didn't help, but we were assured that a low-budget Poseidon adventure wasn't about to unfold. Not much of note on tap - Grolsch and Guinness were two of the three available - but it is notoriously difficult to keep ale on a boat and a reasonable selection of bottled beers made up for it.

Cheap food aplenty, too, with the burger and chips a very competitive £6. It's a shame that our visit found it considerably quieter than most of the other pubs around, even if it did mean seats were very easy to come by. With impeccable service and a warm, genuine welcome, this is by far and away our favourite pub in the area.

CLIENTELE: office workers, those in the know
NEAREST STATION: Vauxhall station
FEATURES: function room available, TV