The Cutty Sark Tavern
4–6 Ballast Quay Greenwich London SE10 9PD
Riverside drinking on the eastern side of the capital is a far grittier, more urban experience than it is way out west, and nowhere is this more manifest than the Cutty Sark, tucked away just beyond a now defunct power station and with views across to the bright lights and towers of Canary Wharf. You can sit outside this beautiful Georgian building and imagine the dullards scouring the beach at low tide during Victorian times, and then be brought back to the present with a glimpse of the O2 a short way to the east and the pods of the Emirates Airline next door to that, Inside, it couldn't be cosier, with a roaring fire in winter and bar snacks to keep the cold out – luscious scotch eggs and pork pies – as well as a full menu served in what has basically been revamped as one of southeast London's best gastro pubs, with a menu of pubby classics – fish and chips, a decent burger, cottage pie – that really hits the spot. There's a lovely cheeseboard from a local supplier, bread from Rhodes, who bake just around the corner, a sensible kids menu, and good Youngs ales – plus prices are honestly pretty decent for what you get. The building, too, is lovely, with a sense of history and elegance that is palpable, and superb views from its first floor dining room and top floor bar.
