Cross Keys, Chelsea

Following one of the hardest-fought battles in London to save a pub from developers and with, at one point, squatters in the pub, a long lease on the ground floor and basement of the building was granted by Parsons Green Land to the the DM Group, who, following an extensive refit, as most original fittings were destroyed, reopened the pub in 2015.

Today's Cross Keys is primarily a gastropub, but, as well as the tables laid for diners at the rear, there is plenty of space at the front of the pub for drinkers. The decor is dominated by bare brick walls, some half-height panelled and others decorated with stripped pre-used wooden doors and large wooden shutters (said to be from a Portuguese asylum!). The back wall is cleverly mirrored to reflect light from the skylight above. As well as bar stools at a plain oak bar, there is a mixture of types of dining tables and chairs.

Ales are from the Butcombe range. Food-wise, as well as a full menu at meal times bar snacks, including Scotch eggs sausage rolls and Welsh rarebit, are available all day. Prices reflect the location.