The Alma, nr. Brick Lane, E1

Victoriana on walls, interesting real ales at the bar (Snowdrop and Pigswill), a Landlord who likes his own products and a peaceful haven away from the curried-artsy bustle of late 90s Brick Lane. For proper dinkers, lost tourists and Ripper fans.

‘Where are you from?’, asked Landlord.

‘Lincolnshire’, I said.

‘My second wife was from Lincoln. Lovely lady.’