Flanagans of Battersea (Bar)

How often is it these days that you walk into a London pub where "what you see is is exactly what you get"? Think about it for a minute ..... not often. Sadly a bit of a rarity over recent years as many pubs become gastronised and done up - often very well, but far too often losing what was the essence of a traditional London pub.

Landlord Ron and bar manager Vince are rightly proud of their pub, Flanangan's - a small and cosy proper boozer. There's no pretence and no bollocks, how refreshing. Directly opposite Battersea Dogs Home, this pub mainly serves the needs of nearby offices and locals.

There's a small outdoor area with a marquee for the winter period; home-cooked food prepared by Ron, an experienced chef who knows how to put together a meal for the right price; a good selection of ales and a decent sound system playing Vince's classics - though not so loud as to drown out chatter.

Fairly chilled every day of the week other than Friday, Flanagans is ripe for a few beers, a bit of a chin-wag and the 'best value' food in the area.