London pub - The Black Friar

Curious web-shaped, mosaic-encrusted relic now run by Nicholsons. Dating from 1875, the pub was modernised in 1905 in an Arts and Crafts style - hence the mosaic exterior and interior. Not like any pub we can think of - lots of strange, vaulted, tucked away places to take in the ambience.

It's non-smoking throughout, which is refreshing - and there's an excellent selection of proper, interesting British ales and equally satisfying pies if you're hungry.

Worth a visit - but there was a strange smell where we were sitting and we did think the service seemed a little unfocussed. Mind you in summer you can sit outside and take in the traffic fumes instead. Also there was some really terrible music playing. Music in pubs! Why? A DJ or band - fine - but some awful CD of 80s bands.... and it was Prefab Sprout as we left.

You can find it by Blackfriars station and bridge (near the end of Fleet Street)
174 Queen Victoria Street
EC4V 4EG

Hot dog, jumping frog...