The Old King's Head, Kings Head Yard, 45-49 Borough High St

The Old King's Head, Kings Head Yard, 45-49 Borough High St, SE1 1NA

A garishly painted statue of the King himself (Henry VIII, on this occasion) stands on a plinth up on the second storey, looking out over the seven feet or so that separates him from the opposite building. Squeezed down a narrow side street, this Late Victorian boozer is properly messy, looking like no-one's paid it the slightest attention in half a century or more. This provides an excellent, lived-in feel; regulars moulder away in the corners or by the bar, while newcomers clutter up the cobbles outside, providing fodder for the occasional ambulance inching down the road. Good selection of beer, food (occasionally) and an interesting arrangement whereby a television is propped over the old dray gate so people can watch the football in the street.

Reviewed by Fred Flange, June 2006

Telephone: 020 7407 1550

Nearby pubs: The Market Porter, 9 Stoney Street, Borough Market (120 metres), The George Inn, 77 Borough High Street (70 metres), St Christopher's Inn, 121 Borough High Street (150 metres), The Wheatsheaf, 6 Stoney Street (120 metres), The Globe, 8 Bedale St, Borough Market (90 metres), The Southwark Tavern, 22 Southwark St, London Bridge (190 metres)

Nearest station: London Bridge, Zone 1 (250 metres)