Built between the wars, The Duchess has been rescued by The Bermondsey Pub Co (part of mega pub group Enterprise Inns), which has given the old girl a tastefully restrained refurbishment. Quality cask ales and craft brews from London and further afield head a drinks list that also features classic cocktails, various gins, and Prosecco at under £15 a bottle on Fridays (a great way to start the weekend). Nourishment is provided by itinerant food-truck troopers, Banger Bros, who do a nice line in ‘epic’ gourmet hot dogs, including Korean kimchi, smoky Polish bockwurst with sauerkraut, and Coney Island chilli. Otherwise, order bad-boy burgers (includes a veggie option), BLT, or chorizo, rocket and piquillo peppers in a brioche bun (£5.50), followed by one of a groovy range of Cornish ice cream pots. Sunday roasts, a bijou beer garden, classic board games, open-mic nights, stand-up comedy and quizzes are further lures.