The Jolly Gardeners is a longstanding Vauxhall neighbourhood pub that had a top-to-bottom makeover towards the end of last year – about a century after Charlie Chaplin was regularly spotted at the pub’s piano. Five friends have taken the modern-day Gardeners over and instituted a weekly-changing menu of quality food made with seasonal ingredients. Expect small plates like cauliflower wings with sesame aioli and curried lamb spring rolls, and mains like cheeseburgers with triple-cooked chips and monkfish schnitzel. Quality south London beer from the likes of Kernel and Mondo is served at an impressive mahogany bar and, come spring, there’s an inviting outdoor space.

49-51 Black Prince Road, Vauxhall, SE11 6AB

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The Black Horse dates back more than 200 years, but it’s just had a slick update. Upstairs is now a classic cocktail bar, while downstairs remains a traditional boozer with plenty of craft beers on tap. Cocktails to look out for include ‘Ring the Alarm’ (Casamigos mezcal, chilli-infused Aperol, pineapple juice, lime and Peychaud bitters). Prolong your night with timeless bar snacks like scotch eggs and warm sausage rolls.

6 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, W1T 1HL

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This farm-to-fork gastropub has just opened in Clapham Old Town. The Pig’s Head has a bar for those after a beer or casual dishes from the daily changing menu (think sweet potato chip butty with smoked turnip dip and bacon jam). But there’s also a bright dining room with an open-plan farmhouse-style kitchen for long lunches and dinners. All meat is butchered on site but around half the menu is dedicated to plant-based dishes using native produce from family run farms. We’ll be dropping in to try the fried Cooley Gold oysters with smoked seaweed mayo; smoked bone marrow and turnip dip with sour crackers; and 42-day aged sirloin with Marmite onions and dripping and chicken salt chips.

87 Rectory Grove, Clapham, SW4 0DR

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The Ganton Arms opened its doors just last week. In what used to be Pam’s, this is a classy drinking den with an impressive selection of craft beers from top London breweries, small-batch gins and artisan wines. The team hand-select every beer and spirit that comes through the door and put it through rigorous testing to ensure drinks and cocktails are a cut above – think negronis made with rare vermouth sourced direct from Italy. Bar snacks include scotch eggs, truffle fries and arancini balls, and there’s a small plate menu launching soon.

18-20 Ganton Street, Carnaby, W1F 7BU

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A slick refurb earns the Chesterfield its place on this list. Formerly the Shepherd’s Tavern, the old place has been a pub since the late 18th century and, incredibly, some original features are still intact. Regular events – including sports screenings with limited menus – take place in the main dining room, and there’s a quiz on Wednesday nights. The kitchen turns out British classics like battered haddock and chips, and steak and mushroom pie, alongside more elevated dishes including confit belly of pork with chorizo ketchup, and glazed duck breast with confit leg croquets. Sunday roasts are a hearty affair, with lashings of gravy and all the trimmings, while the craft beer menu changes regularly so there’s always a new IPA or lager to explore.

50 Hertford Street, Mayfair, W1J 7SS

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The Fat Badger is the fifth venue from the Gladwin brothers, who are also behind excellent restaurants including The Shed in Notting Hill and Soho’s Sussex. Their latest venture offers all-day dining from a menu of countryside classics made with wild, homegrown ingredients. Guests should begin at the Badger Bar, which serves AAA Maldon oysters freshly shucked at the counter, a selection of Cobble Lane charcuterie which hangs above the bar, small plates including mushroom eclairs and crab rarebit, and local craft beers. In the main space, expect starters such as venison tartare with quail’s egg and damson jam; and mains like sticky spatchcock partridge with barley, sweetcorn and pesto.

15-17 Hill Rise, Richmond, TW10 6UQ

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The Londoner was one of the capital’s hottest hotel openings last year. On the ground floor you’ll find a dark and atmospheric pub. Joshua’s Tavern takes inspiration from 18th-century artist Joshua Reynolds, who was rumoured to be partial to an ale on Leicester Square. But you’ll find much more than just beer here. G&T is a house speciality with a 17-page drinks menu offering plenty of variety. There’s live music on Thursdays to Sundays and, for the duration of February, it’s ‘Innkeeper’s Hour’ every week night from 4pm to 6pm – get a house G&T or pint with a box of truffle popcorn for £5. Further bar snacks include tandoori poussin bites and parmesan flatbreads.

38 Leicester Square, West End, WC2H 7DX

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