Tattershall Castle, London

A paddle steamer moored on the west side of the Thames, slightly south of Embankment tube station and Hungerford Bridge, and almost opposite the London Eye. Built in 1934, it is said to have been one of the first civilian vessels fitted with radar. Retired from its life as a Humber ferry in 1973, and run as a bar and restaurant since 1981. In May 2015 the boat reopened after a reported £1.8 million refit in Hull, which also restored and made the original engine room visible. Air- conditioned in summer, heated in winter.

Uniquely (?), the "cellar" is a barge moored alongside; it rises and falls with the tide, as does the boat. Hence, the ale lover's concept of beer peacefully bubbling away in an undisturbed cask must be abandoned here - only "bright" or "fast-drop" beers can be sold. Handpumps are in the Ward Room area only, where large windows look out on the animated River Thames. At date of this entry there was one beer on handpump, Wychwood Hobgoblin, labelled as 'fresh ale'. Non-peak times may suit drinkers-only better, as tables may be reserved for diners.