Pubs for Lord Mayor's Show
This Saturday is the Lord Mayor's Show and it's going to be bigger and better than ever before (and rounded off with a big fireworks display over The Thames). If the sight of all those floats and gold carriages makes you thirsty you can head to one of these pubs on route.
The Red Herring 49 Gresham Street, EC2 (020-7606 0399).
Let's hope that it doesn't rain on the Lord Mayor's Parade which will be weaving its way from the Guildhall, past St Paul's to the Royal Courts Of Justice, and then back again to the Guildhall this Saturday. The parade kicks off at 10.55am, and is expected to finish at 3pm. The Red Herring, a Fuller's pub, will be opening early on Saturday, as the first quarterfinals in the Rugby World Cup will be on TV.
The Old Bank of England
Close to halfway along and the turning point of the parade, The Old Bank Of England is in a magnificent Grade-I listed building which for 87 years used to house the Law Courts branch of the Bank Of England. It has noble columns, high Italianate windows, and a magnificent ceiling with sparkling chandeliers. Fuller's ales are on tap, and good pub grub will be served throughout the day.
Le Coq d'Argent 1 Poultry, EC2 (020-7395 5000).
Terence Conran's roof garden, high above Poultry and overlooking Mansion House, is a perfect vantage point and one of the most pleasant finds in the City. There are manicured lawns, box hedges, and a terrace where you can look down on the parade. Fine cocktails, a splendid wine list and a full menu will be on offer.
Old Bell Tavern 95 Fleet Street, EC1 (020-7583 0216).
This recently refurbished pub was built in 1678 by Sir Christopher Wren as a hostel for masons who were rebuilding nearby St Bride's Church, which had been destroyed in the Great Fire. It's now a handsome old boozer with several quality ales and substantial homecooked meals. The parade passes in front and the pub will stay open until 5pm.
The Coal Hole 91-92 The Strand, WC2 (020-7379 9883).
Those approaching the parade route from the West End might want to pop in to the newly refurbished Coal Hole for a glass of beer and a home-cooked meal. It looks smart today - and so it should be as part of the Savoy buildings - but this disguises the fact that it was once a coalheavers' hang-out and a bit rough.
