The Running Horse

If you’re in the market for a hot tip around Oxford Street, this oak-panelled Horse wins at a canter. Its modern, stripped-back interpretation of the tap house’s Georgian roots hits the spot without resorting to the overblown gimmickry that afflicts so many ‘nu-olde’ public houses. Its handsome sash-windowed dining room is popular for superior pub-grub deals, a proper lunch menu, big boy sandwiches & a wine list whose bottles resonate with its smart-money, Mayfair clientele – think St Chinian, Fleurie, Planeta Burdese or Borthwick Estate Riesling. Bar bites such as hoummos, spring rolls & cocktail sausages are available in the evening, while £3.95 secures a pint of London Pride or, perhaps, draught Cornish Knocker.