If you like to drink in places where the history's as important as the drinks list, the Grade IIlisted French House should be on your inventory. Charles de Gaulle utilized the pub as a workplace during World War II; Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon both imbibe here ... the directory goes on.

The interior shows both the Gallic connection and its long standing in this…

The sign outside announces' ale, cider, flesh ', and that pretty much sums up what's on offer at the best pub in Gospel Oak. The interior might clear you think it's still 1936, as would the cashonly policy. The addon of cheese and charcuterie placards to the offering of meaty disallow snacks is about as modern as it gets here.

The roster of lovingly inclined ales and…

Set in the everwild North Pennines, the twee village of Blanchland- which owes its word to the white attires donned by the presumablylesswild French monks that agreed here in the 12 th century- also plays host to Northumberland's longcoveted local the Lord Crewe Arms. Bearing all the hallmarks of a storybook bolthole( crackling shells, flagstone storeys, candlelit openings, etc ), this ancient…