All Bar One, London

Somewhat smaller than most of the ABO chain, and in former bank premises in Imperial Buildings on the corner with Remnant Street. No real ale is served but quite a selection of keg beers, and a self-styled 'stylish city bar' that gets very busy evenings. Food ranges from bar nibbles - nuts and olives - and works up to burgers and other 'mains'. Within spitting distance of Covent Garden and, to the east (and rear) is Lincoln's Inn Fields said to be the largest public square in London having been developed in the 1620s-30s (and for which we can thank the students and lawyers of Lincoln's Inn itself, who protested against development, though it did not come into public ownership until 1894, when the London County Council secured public access through a lease). In earlier years the fields were pasture grounds in the hands of the Queen (Elizabeth I) and on September 20th and 21st 1586 Anthony Babington and his fellow conspirators were hanged, drawn and quartered in the fields, for plotting regicide.