The Traditional English Restaurants of London

The consummate picture of a pub – just as Americans imagine them to be, but unfortunately it is seldom the reality – in a slightly hard to find Mews just off Belgrave Square.

It even boasts a resident ghost, which apparently rarely makes an appearance; so if you see a pale shambling apparition, it is probably only a regular who has had a bit too much to drink. The apparition is supposedly that of an officer, who was caught cheating at cards, and was then accidentally flogged to death.

The Inn was originally the Duke of Wellington's officers mess, and directly outside in the old Barrack Yard is the remaining stone of the Duke's mounting block, whilst an archway nearby forms part of his stables.

In a superb ambience, it produces traditional British dishes with very decent sized portions at rather higher than normal pub prices, but then you are in the middle of Belgravia and the setting alone is worth paying for.

The simple and straightforward menu most appropriately includes Beef Wellington - Fillet Steak topped with pate and mushrooms and wrapped in pastry, £16.95, served with fresh seasonal vegetables. Starters range from Potted Whitby Shrimps, through to the more esoteric Black Pudding, whilst their puddings encompass many old English favourites, like Spotted Dick, Bread and Butter and Apple Pie - hardly a calorie between them!

You can judge its popularity by the fact that locals go there, and pray that it won’t become over-invaded by outsiders, though even tourists have been known to complain that it is getting too well known.