It's been said that Shaws Booksellers doesn't really know where to stand. Is it a pub, is it a restaurant? We've classed it as a pub because it certainly has that traditional 'pubbish' vibe: men standing in tightly-packed circles, ales in hand, while the women sit and talk among themselves around a table.

Shaws even used to be a paper merchant's warehouse - its only resemblance of that is the name across the facade. Still, it shouldn't be ignored. It serves quality food, has a good selection of wines for a pub of its size, and has two real ale Fullers hand pumps: Discovery and London Pride at £3.40 each.

One thing to be mindful of at this place is the speed at which is fills up. Being close to office blocks, workers will pour into Shaws after a long day and there they shall firmly stay. However, you'll only have to contend with the potential raucous banter, because Shaws keep the volume levels of their music to a level which allows for coherent conversation - always a plus.

Opening times: Monday - Friday: 12:00 - 23:00

Saturday: Closed, Sunday: Closed