The Draft House Westbridge - Battersea

An archetypal Battersea boozer, the Draft House Westbridge has been freshened up by a new team with impressive gastro pub credentials. Food is the main attraction, and the kitchen is equally home with pub classics and more adventurous restaurant-style dishes: beer-battered fish and chips with minted mushy peas lines up next to grilled swordfish with mixed bean compote, baked aubergine and cherry tomato salsa.

Elsewhere, the choice runs to Feta, pomegranate and fennel salad, roast guinea fowl with black pudding, fondant potato and red cabbage, plus desserts like pear and Bramley apple tarte Tatin. In the bar you can also get mixed platters of 'sticks and dips' or 'smoked and potted seafood' to share. Excellent draught and bottled beers from around the globe vie for attention with the well-chosen eclectic wine list.

There's a trellised terrace out front (for customers who want to watch the action on Battersea Bridge Road), plus a hidden landscaped garden at the back of the pub for secluded al fresco meals. The Draft House Westbridge also boasts two cracking private dining rooms for special bashes: 'We throw the best parties in Battersea!' claim the owners.