If the Southbank’s chains aren’t to your taste, take a stroll out to this remodelled corner pub, which has been serving one of old London’s most atmospheric residential enclaves for aeons. Pride of place goes to the island bar in the darkly handsome saloon, where craft beers, potent European pilsner and ales from Fuller’s and Sharp’s are available on tap. An adequate wine list backs up The White Hart’s offer of pimped-up sandwiches, sharing platters, Saturday brunch, Sunday roasts and dishes such as beef brisket and beetroot hash with fried egg, chicken, ham hock and leek pie with summer veg, roast chicken Caesar salad, mac ’n’ cheese, asparagus and summer shoots with gnocchi, and puds like granny used to make. Be warned: it gets packed, with drinkers often spilling out onto the pavement.