Prince Arthur
95 Forest Road, Hackney, London E8 3BH
This handsomely restored place is one of the few gastro-pubs in the area. The decor is pared-down traditional, with a mirrored bar, oil paintings and trophy animal heads on the walls, and upholstered green benches and bar stools. The food is very British: think beef Wellington, fish pie, Cumbrian lamb and Aberdeen Angus rib-eye steak. Fish and shellfish is delivered fresh daily from Billingsgate Market. Puddings consist of patriotic offerings such as trifle and crumble, and there’s a platter of British cheeses such as Lancashire Black Bomb and Cornish Blue.