Clerkenwell is underrated as a place to go pubbing - being predominately a designer's paradise of bars and clubs, but there're a good few pubs that reward you for following up on that instinct that says "I wonder what's down that side road". The Gunmakers was always one of those that hit the spot and continues to do so.

It's a small front room bar with two tables, followed by a parlour decorated in Student Union green with attendant red PVC benches, and a back room full of tables for two. It's patronised by one or two local firms possibly at the expense of the curious explorer. And the loos let them down a bit (we needn't go into details, right?).

The good news is it's still very good for food - pub grub certainly - try the slow roasted pork belly - but with genuine flair, well presented and reasonably priced. They do decent grog too (Summer Lightning and Landlord were both well kept) and it still feels like a local with a friendly greeting.

CLIENTELE: locals and slightly trendy office workers
NEAREST STATION: Farringdon station
FEATURES: disabled facilities, ATM, regular guest beers, dog friendly, function room available, gay friendly, open after 11:00pm, outdoor seating, separate restaurant