The Duchess of Cambridge

Sibling of the Bree Louise near Euston, this pared-back real ale pub has taken over the site of a grotty old Shepherd’s Bush boozer. As expected, the emphasis is on hand-pulled ales & ciders representing the UK’s burgeoning microbrewery scene – in fact the Duchess is installing its own brew house, due to come on line in January 2012. In the meantime, beery aficionados can savour such arcane pleasures as Twickenham Strange Brew or Wychwood Bountiful, as well as Thistly Cross Ginger & Gold from the list of ciders on tap. Trad British pub food typically includes soups, sandwiches, savoury tarts, bangers, & ploughman’s, plus a trio of classic puds such as apple crumble, while Sunday lunch might bring Welsh black beef with all the trimmings, haunch of venison & a veggie nut roast. Half-pints get their own kiddies’ menu.