Top 10: December 2010

Our December 2010 selection
Wenlock Arms, London
LATEST NEWS: The story of the Wenlock’s future is a strange rollercoaster ride, with Hackney Council actually emerging as the heroes (for the moment, at least). Having been under threat of demolition for a long time now, at the end of 2011, the planning application was miraculously...
Dog & Bell, London
Should you find yourself thirsty in Deptford, the Dog & Bell is indubitably your best bet. Unlike quite a few of the pubs in the area, this pub is neither grubby nor intimidating. It's a well-kept establishment with good quality real ales on tap and superb bottled beers in the fridge. Friendly...
Aces and Eights (ex Bar Lorca), London
As the fashion for blues and rock bars continues to spread around North London, Tufnell Park can now boast Aces and Eights. Have replaced the bland Bar Lorca, the transformation couldn't be more complete. Notice initially the posters of Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane where the windows used to be...
Lord Nelson, London
If you're not into big screen football it's sometimes a frustrating task to have a relaxing weekend pint in Barnet. However, if you're prepared to venture a little off the beaten path, the Lord Nelson is not only usually football free but a visual treat. Tucked away behind an anonymous looking...
Colton Arms, London
Secreted away in the suburban no-man's land of Barons Court, the Colton Arms has the feel of a village local. A small affair with a main bar and two tiny back alcoves and a wee patio garden at the rear; the rural feel stems as much from its original oak furniture and handled pint glasses as from...
The Hope & Anchor, London
An unremarkable pub which does the (slightly more) remarkable task of pleasing all the people it serves. The clientele consisted of old locals, young N4 flatsharers, couples popping in for a pre-meal drink and even a couple of lager lads, but this pub took them all in it's stride. With patterned...
The Euston Tap, London
Housed in one of the gatehouses by Euston bus station - the last remnants of the long gone Euston Arch - we first encountered this one as the (ladies only) Glass Bar. The newly reopened Euston Tap couldn't be more different, setting itself out as a mecca for cask ale and craft beers. It's a fair...
Hemingford Arms, London
Tucked away in the affluent niche of Barnsbury, the Hemingford Arms can be a pleasant spot for a drink. Its a handsome old pub, festooned with ivy, hanging baskets and window boxes and its cosy interior has a plethora of objects hanging from the ceiling and on the walls: these include a set of...
The Swan (ex-Edwards Bar), London
We've been meaning to get down here for some time now and we're glad we did. Nicholson's have taken over the ownership of what used to be a rather loutish Edwards Bar. Luckily, the proximity of the Wetherspoon two doors down means that the Swan doesn't suffer the attentions of the itinerant waifs...
Island Queen, London
After a long period in the wilderness, the Island Queen's decline was reversed a few years back when Mitchells and Butlers took the time, care and patience to make this a pub to be proud of once again. The beer line-up is up to the good usual M&B standard: Pride, Landlord and Deuchars (and...