A Seriously Bad Elf and the Priory of the Dominicans

So what's a Seriously Bad Elf doing in the Priory of the Dominicans you might ask? Londoners like to sink a beer of two after work. But, as first time visitors to the capital often discover, British beer is very distinct to other European lager.

We sometimes like to drink 'bitter' - a British term for beer or pale ale. Introduced in the late 18th century, Pale Ale soon became popular perhaps because it is not carbonated and carries a more intricate taste. Often called by strange names, the following historic London pubs should quench your thirst for this liquid oddity:

The Black Friar Pub

174 Queen Victoria Street, London

The Priory of the Dominicans occupied this site from 1279 to 1539. The Black Friar was built in 1875 and is a rather bizarre Victorian building with its tall, vertical wedge-like shape. The statue of a laughing monk above the entrance eludes to the delights of the peculiar ales available inside which may include anything from 'Attila the Honey'; Anarchist Pale Ale' to 'The Surly Blonde.' A seasonal Christmas offering is 'The Seriously Bad Elf' - a golden amber English ale.

The interior can best be described as elaborate with bronze reliefs of monks and various illustrations. There's food here too from steak pie to Goat's Cheese Tart and, in addition to the mad ales, a selection of a dozen wines or so. Alice in Wonderland meets Rasputin but you're sure to have a good night out.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

145 Fleet Street, London, EC4A 2BU Tel:0207-353-6170

This historic pub has seen the reign of fifteen monarchs and is a real 17th century tavern with a labyrinth of bars. Snuck down an alleyway it's easy to miss but not hard to find if you keep your eyes open. Look for the creaking wooden sign. Once inside the intrepid drinker has to navigate narrow passageways and timbered ceilings to discover a Pandora's Box of bars/open fireplaces/dining rooms spread out over different levels connected by rickety staircases.

Notable luminaries of Britain's literary past have enjoyed a pale ale there including Charles Dickens, Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Johnson. Today, you're more likely to find office workers but the pub carries such a presence that you'll hardly notice them.

If you are looking for a true London pub then this is the real deal.

Dirty Dicks

Just one look at the eccentric exterior tells you that Dirty Dicks is going to be equally loopy inside with lots of curious and wondrous artefacts. The original Dirty Dick was an 18th Century prosperous warehouse owner by the name of Richard (Richards are often known as Dicks) Bently. He was something of ladies man in his younger years but upon the death of his fiancé he refused to clear up or clean anything becoming the celebrity of dirt. The pub changed its name to Dirty Dicks before the beginning of the 19th century to capitalise on the local legend. Rumour has it that some of the ornaments inside are from Richard Bently's house.

A fine range of bottled ales are available including 'Double Chocolate Stout;' 'Waggledance' and 'Banana Bread Beer.' Succulent roasts are served up on Sundays while during the week diners can order anything from Fish and Chips to a 'Bitter Ale Pie.'

Check out the glass display case for a flavour of the past.