Lamb & Flag

33 Rose St, Covent Garden, London, 0207 4979504 Charles Dickens and John Dryden are among the famous faces who have sunk a pint in this Covent Garden institution. Thankfully, the clientele has mellowed since Dryden was nearly beaten to death there in the 18th century for expressing his trademark anarchic views. Today, as it stands in all its unfettered glory ­ save the removal of one partition under the Disability Discrimination Act ­ this grade II-listed building is Covent Garden's oldest and only-remaining freehouse. Historically named the Bucket of Blood for its bare-knuckle prize-fights, the pub was the first place Dryden headed after a hard day's writing, and, at 5pm, it's now just as popular with city workers. Experienced manager and co-licensee, Terry Archer, has been overseeing proceedings at the pub since 1982, and it's a sizeable crowd to manage. Even on a week night, the eclectic mix of journalists, actors, students and tourists spill out onto the cobbled thoroughfare street outside; 200 of whom have their names embossed on brass plaques at the bar. "We get actors from the Garrick theatre in all the time," says Archer. "People like Freddie Jones and John Hurt pop in whenever they're around.