For the homesick there are several traveller's Pubs within the central areas.  The key
ones being:

- Springbok Sports Bar	- The Redback Tavern
- The Walkabout, in Covent Garden and Shepherds Bush

For the safe and sure option, there's your smattering of franchises:

- All Bar One	- Pitcher & Piano
- Slug & Lettuce	- Firkins

Seriously trendy and funky bars abound in SoHo, and Covent Garden is a gem for a decent pub as well -
try Bar 38, or the Long Island Iced Tea Bar opposite.  The Punch and Judy is also a popular spot in the
summer months, sporting a fantastic balcony overlooking the markets.

For a real taste of British however, you can beat your 'local'.  There are a few genuine options still in
the city centre, and they are worth hunting down.  These tend to be cosier, with dark wooden
interiors and stained glass - what you always imagined of a traditional English pub.  A must see
is one of London's oldest standing Victorian pubs, the Salisbury, on St Martins Lane.

Now for the bad news, sorry folks, but all pubs in England close at 11 pm - we kid you not.  
Only those that combine as nightclubs are allowed special licenses to stay open past this
time.  So when the clock strikes 11 pm, put on those dancing shoes - or earmuffs,
whichever you prefer.

Beer is the dominant drink of favour in England, and you can expect an on
tap pint to set you back £2.50 to £3.00.  Imports generally cost more.  If
you've tried Guiness back home and likened it to tasting a liquid jar of
marmite - be prepared for a surprise.  English Guiness tastes quite
different - and the genuine article in Ireland is pure heaven.  The
Irish say the secret is in the water, but considering the
state of water in London, I don't really know if that
myth holds true…