Grand Union

In a not particularly lovely area, this pub stands out as a particularly pleasant place to pass a lazy summer afternoon. The pub was completely re-done a few years ago and the stained carpets and horrendous wallpaper even your gran would baulk at have been stripped back to the really very serviceable original Victorian interior. Floor-to-ceiling dark wood and a brilliantly mixed crowd encompassing everyone from suits, to unemployed peaceniks and trendies surrounds you. If that's a little oppressive head for the slender spiral staircase which takes you downstairs and out on to the canalside terrace. Once one of the most important trade routes in the Western world the Grand Union Canal has fallen into disuse by all but a precious few barging enthusiasts. This pub is a great place to watch the narrow boats chug by. Many boats pull in and moor up whilst the occupants sink a few pints. Watching barge owners can be great fun - they're a strange tribe. The drinks menu leans towards the modern with plenty of wines and beers from across the Channel, but they haven't discarded the bitters which traditionally arrived on the canal. The menu is a similar mix of traditional with cosmopolitan touches. Their pies are delicious with succulent filling spilling out of crusty cases.