Charles Dickens would have felt at home

It's safe to say Dickens liked a drink, and this traditionally-minded local has the feel of a pub that he would have felt quite comfortable in.

The decor is overly woody, but there is plenty of space (even though it looks smaller from the outside). It ticks the right boxes: there's a fine range of real ales on tap, the food is decent, traditional pub nosh and the staff are friendly and service is quick.

A mix of locals, students and office workers are share drinking space here, and it makes for a pub with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There's a tad more tension in the air on a Wednesday, when one of our favourite quiz nights south of the river takes place. All in all, a compact, friendly little boozer which we only wish more pubs were like. To paraphrase that Dickensian orphan boy: can we have some more of these, please?

CLIENTELE: locals
NEAREST STATION: Southwark station
FEATURES: quiz night Wednesday, Sky TV

The Charles Dickens
160 Union Street, SE1 0LH