There's nothing like a roaring fire - especially when it's fffrrreeezzziinnnggg outside. Clive Aslet picks the 10 best pubs where you can warm up and enjoy a pint. Happy New Year!

• THE WENLOCK ARMS 26 Wenlock Road, N1 (020-7608 3406) www.wenlock-arms.co.uk.

Established in 1835 it survived the wartime bombing of the district and still retains many of its original features.

• THE STAR TAVERN 6 Belgrave Mews West, SW1 (020-7235 3019).

During the Sixties, this gem of a late-Georgian pub was a focal point for gangsters and slumming aristocrats.

• THE HOLLY BUSH 22 Holly Mount, NW3 (020-7435 2892).

One of Hampstead's landmark pubs, this perfectly preserved alehouse from the 1860s can boast high-backed settles, bare floorboards, matchboard-clad walls and smoke-stained dark ceilings.

• THE JERUSALEM TAVERN 55 Britton Street, EC1 (020-7490 4281).

An enchanting place broken up into intimate alcoves and niches, one of which has a cheery fireplace.

• THE CAT'S BACK 86 Point Pleasant, SW18 (020-8877 0818).

A relatively quiet and laid-back place with an interior as Idiosyncratic as its beers.

• THE SEKFORDE ARMS 34 Sekforde Street, EC1 (020-7253 3251).

Divided into a large saloon and small snug, this splendid establishment has upholstered banquettes and a tiled cast-iron fireplace.

• THE DARTMOUTH ARMS 35 York Rise, NW5 (020-7485 3267).

An absolute delight with a range of real ales, huge wooden tables, a mini bookshop, a modern British menu - and two roaring fires.

• THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH 79 Nightingale Lane, E11 (020-8989 0014).

Three real ales, big-screen entertainment and traditional English food serves a mainly local clientele.

• THE LOWER RED LION 36 Fishpool Street, St Albans (01727 855 669) www. thelowerredlion. co.uk.

The oldest freehouse in St Albans has managed to hang on to the original character of a local inn from 300 years ago.

There's nothing like a roaring fire - especially when it's fffrrreeezzziinnnggg outside. Clive Aslet picks the 10 best pubs to warm your nuts.

• KING WILLIAM IV 18 Hadley Highstone, Barnet (020-8449 6728).

If you want a quiet night out try this traditional tavern.

Most of these pubs feature in the 2003 edition of the Good Beer Guide, just published by CAMRA.