Jamaica Wine House

A lofty, embossed Victorian ceiling is the crowning glory at this lovely old, oak-panelled boozer – a snug hidey-hole, well away from the hurly-burly of the City yet just a few paces from Cornhill. Affectionately known as the Jampot, it has a long & colourful history dating to the 17th century – when it was a coffee house frequented by Samuel Pepys & other Restoration bigwigs. Nowadays suited City folk & the participants of touristy walking tours spill out into the peaceful alley outside, clutching their pints of Shepherd Neame, Oranjeboom or Asahi. There’s wine by the glass if beer doesn’t appeal, & the choice of food ranges from sandwiches at the bar to pork & Spitfire ale sausages with mash or beer-battered fish & chips.