Churchill Arms, London

This is an interesting hybrid of boozer and leafy Thai diner. Amongst the benefits of this unusual alliance is the combination of pub-priced drinks with restaurant-standard food. It's always popular - often very crowded in the pub and pub/dining area - but the restaurant at the back is surprisingly airy, although just as full of locals. The owner's collection of 16,000 rare butterflies decorates the walls and provides interesting distractions during your meal. The huge, good-quality dishes can be mixed, matched and generally made to order. You can combine generous servings of rice, stir fries, noodles or curries with your choice of meat and vegetables. Try to visit Churchill Arms on 30 November every year. History buffs will know that this is Winston Churchill's birthday. To celebrate, pub undergoes a transformation complete with bomb sirens and the great man's speeches playing in the background. Everyone gets dressed up in 1940s gear and has a jolly old time.