High Holborn, London. Established in 1430, it claims to have the longest bar in London, (and probably the tallest as well!), flanked on one side by giant vats and on the other by a discreet chain of cubicles, where lawyers from the nearby Inns of Court can have private conversations. Charles Dickens lived close by and placed a couple of his stories here. In 1951 Welsh poet Dylan Thomas penned an ode to the bar's distinctness. Note the copper signage out front. A law with medieval origins (still applicable today), states that establishments which serve ale must hang a sign above their entrances so that inspectors could evaluate the quality of the beer.

This is truly a grand old public house. From the classic old exterior and unique sign to the huge gorgeous interior (check out the height of the ceiling!), this is a fabulous pub. Surrounded by dark wood, giant wooden beams going from floor to ceiling, a big beautiful bar, and my favorite drinking booths of any pub I have been in, it is almost dream-like.

It is a Samuel Smith pub, and I had my first Old Brewery Bitter - so delicious! This would definitely have to be on my list of favorite pubs.